Easing into Conversation: Queer Eye

Pride Month is officially over this year, but it does not mean that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is. Many may ask, how do I talk about LGBTQ+ issues with my conservative family? Based on personal experience, it certainly is no easy feat. However, it is apparent that the entertainment industry holds a power over our choices, and literally influences what we think. Because of this, I believe the best way to get your family into the topic is exposing them to shows that feature a LGBTQ+ cast, but also one that’s family-friendly and wholesome.

One of the shows I suggest is Queer Eye, as it has certainly helped a lot of people, including myself, ease into conversation with family members on the topic of LGBTQ+ acceptance. It premiered in 2018, and is a reboot of the 2003 series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. The series stars Antoni Porowski, the food & wine expert, Tan France, the fashion expert, Jonathan Van Ness, the grooming expert, Karamo Brown, the culture expert, and Bobby Berk, the design expert, collectively known as the Fab 5. On the surface, Queer Eye seems like a mere mindless makeover show by five queer guys, but looking deeper, it breaks barriers on the typical Hollywood plot.

In each episode, the Fab 5 travels to the hero’s (the subject’s) home, and gives them a complete makeover, each specializing in their area of expertise. Often, these heroes boast different opinions from the Fab 5, and sadly, prejudiced opinions on homosexuality are not uncommon. In several episodes throughout the five seasons, heroes have opened up about their homophobic pasts, and some are still on their journey of working towards to accepting homosexuality. Some of them were closed off to the idea of getting a makeover from five queer guys at first, but at the end of the week, they all emerged more open-minded than ever. The Fab 5 also discusses their struggles with coming to terms with their own sexuality, giving us heart-wrenching stories worthy of tears.

Transgender visibility is displayed in Queer Eye as well. In episode 5 of season 2, the Fab 5 was seen to be helping a transgender man, Skyler, make over his life after getting his life-changing top surgery. A video of the surgical process was included in the episode, and we, the audience, could see firsthand the result of the surgery. Everything was written on Skyler’s face at his first glance at his now flat chest after the process — every single raw emotion was there, it was clear that he was finally living his truth. Skyler touched on his hardships and struggles of being a transgender man, including the grapple of not being able to change his gender on official documents. There were a number of surprises in this episode, but I won’t give you any spoilers here.

Yes, Queer Eye is still a makeover show at the end of the day. However, it is also a social commentary, giving a voice and platform to marginalized communities — just interlaced with some fantastic style advice. Turn on your TV, and let Queer Eye become a topic of conversation in every household.