Photo: instagram
They've been friends for a while.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Sep 21, 2018
For months, rumors have been swirling that Jana Duggar is gay because, unlike the rest of her older sisters, she is still single. Though growing up in such a devout Christian family can put the pressure on to be courted, married, and have kids all within a short time frame, Jana doesn’t seem to be bothered by the prospect of being single.
But those rumors are starting back up again people have been speculating that Jana does, in fact, have a girlfriend, but due to her strict family’s upbringing, she cannot be open about her sexuality.
But who is Jana Duggar’s rumored girlfriend? Fans have a theory that she’s actually dating her best friend, Laura DeMasie.
Photo: TLC
The Duggars are strongly opposed to same-sex relationships and marriage, and her family has openly made their views clear. Brother Josh endorsed an author who called homosexuality “demonic,” and sister Jill’s husband, Derick Dilalrd, tweeted that Nate Berkus and his husband Jeremiah’s show on TLC “celebrates a lifestyle so degrading to children on public television as if it should be normal.”
So, what do we know about Laura DeMasie? Here are a few tidbits of info that may give us more insight as to why people believe she is Jana’s (secret) girlfriend.
1. She’s a little bit older than Jana.
While Jana is 28, and the oldest daughter of her family, Laura is 33.
2. She works for the Institute in Basic Life Principles.
The Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) is a “non-denominational, Christian organization… that serves as an umbrella organization for several ministries... for the purpose of resolving youth and family conflicts.” It’s also an organization that is a big part of the Duggars’ lives and fuels their controversial beliefs. Laura works in the media department for the organization. Could this have been where the two met?
3. They’ve been friends for years.
Photo: TLC
In fact, Laura apparently lived with the Duggars in Arkansas for a little bit and even helped to homeschool the younger children. She would also help Jana around the house with the many chores she was responsible for.
4. Derick Dillard denies Laura is Jana’s girlfriend.
A fan was clearly so confused that they tweeted at Dillard to confirm the rumors once and for all.
But is he just covering up the truth?
5. She’s been present at many Duggar events.
When Jinger Duggar gave birth to her daughter, Felicity, Laura was seen hanging out with Jana outside of the delivery room. Jinger didn’t want a big crowd, and only nine people were there after she delivered the baby. She didn’t even ask most of her siblings to make the trip, but Laura was there! She also attended Jinger’s gender reveal party.
And aside from attending (and helping to plan!) the weddings of Austin Forsyth and Joy-Anna Duggar, and Joseph Duggar and Kendra Caldwell, she also accompanied them on a trip to Australia writing, “Jana is our favorite adventurous homebody, the queen of snacks and funny stories, and the kind of sister/friend that none of us deserve.” How sweet is that?
She also goes on trips to visit Jinger and Jeremy in Texas. He obviously considers her part of the family.
6. Jim Bob is trying to keep their relationship secret.
According to an insider, Jana prefers “the company of women,” a speculation that Jim Bob has attempted to keep under wraps. He’s gone to great lengths to keep the “truth” from their religious fan base though we don’t know exactly what that entails.
Samantha Maffucci is an associate editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.