Is this a newer episode, or a re-run, 'cause a ton of companies just wholesale ditching diversity and inclusion programs and proudly announcing they're leaving LGBTQ rights/equality charity groups has be second-guessing everything these days

It was a rerun. But a network like HGTV is generally well behind most networks in terms of representation shown in their programming. They want to be seen as wholesome & un-controversial, & appeal to the broadest swath of average viewers.