Queer Eye for the Straight Girl

I'm watching Queer Eye right now (anyone, anyone?). I'm watching each of the five men who host the show run around, animated and energetic. I'm watching as these men teach others to live their lives to the fullest, to rely on themselves, but also to rely on others for support. Maybe this show is famous because of this. But maybe, this show just goes to show what it can mean to live life out loud.

On the show, Karamo is the "culture" expert, and talks to the people being "made-over" how to best navigate their lives and issues. I think, looking back, this is what I needed for my younger self. I wish a gay man had knocked down my door and said HELLO WE NEED TO TALK and that it had been him and I could be modest and open the door and let him in to talk about my life. For a long time I struggled to find my place in the world. I think Karamo would have thought, upon meeting me: Good lord, this young woman needs someone who is willing to break down her WALLS, not just her DOOR.

So dramatic! I can see Jonathan running around with his hands raised to both cheeks, screaming. Jonathan is the "grooming" expert. He's also hilarious. I can see him saying, "Oh, girlfriend. But being alive is so fun!!!!"

I needed someone when I was younger. I didn't know it, but I needed someone to teach me how to be a human being.

Tan France is probably my favorite Queer Eye member. He keeps is real. His area of expertise is fashion. In college, I wore sweatpants and a hoodie every singe day. I can see Tan doing a sweep of my wardrobe and saying, "Who's funeral are you hoping to attend?" The answer would be mine, but I would smile demurely, say "no one's." To which he would take a broom handle to reach my topmost hoodie, and lay it on my bed, and take a burner torch to the concept of being "demure."

Antoni is the food and wine expert. In my day to day life, I eat take out and pre-made meals. I can see Antoni opening my fridge, seeing my snacks, a gallon of expired skim milk and string cheeses, and say, "this is just sad." I've never been one to care what I make for myself. Now, I would love to see what he thinks of boxed wine; not that I drink it, but it seems like something that would be truly horrifying for him. And what's better than seeing someone dramatic, horrified? I would raise a glass to that.

Bobby is the "design" expert. I'm not one to be organized or care much about which couch I own, but Bobby does - with gusto. He is dynamic - waving his hands, making jokes. I wish so much that I knew how to do that, to be someone who makes a joke other people really laugh at. Sometimes, I don't know I can be "myself", because - who am I?

Queer Eye is a great show. It's wholesome - sure. But it's also a rare blend of authentic and dramatic. I wish, as a straight girl, I could be that blend. Like Jonathan and his make-up blending techniques, ever the beauty expert, I wish I could find the perfect balance of being fun and upbeat, but also serious and real. The five guys of Queer Eye manage to be honest about their client's lives, while also making the change the client goes through a positive transformative experience - for everyone.