Queer Eye, originally Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, premiered on Netflix last month. It is a reboot of the reality show of the same name that aired on Bravo from 2003 to 2007. The show centers on the “Fab 5,” a group of five gay men who give makeovers to other men, mainly straight. This group consists of Antoni, wine and food expert, Jonathan, grooming expert, Bobby, design expert, Tan, fashion expert, and Karamo, culture expert. Each episode features a different man who was nominated by either a friend or a family member for a makeover. Once the “Fab 5” show up at his house or workplace, they start working on him. Not only does the “Fab 5” give each man makeovers, but they also give them tips on cuisine, culture, entertainment, and even relationships.
After hearing most of my friends talk about the show, I decided to take a break from my busy schedule as a full-time college student, and start watching. From the very first episode, I fell in love with each one of the “Fab 5;” their unique personalities are one of the main attractions of the show. After finishing the first episode, I realized why most of my friends cried in every episode, surprisingly finding myself tearing up as well. Watching how they help each man build their self-confidence warmed my heart. They made every one of these men see that what truly matters is our self-esteem and that everyone is beautiful.
However, not only do these “Fab 5” give makeovers, but they also bring families together and unite people as it is observed in many episodes. In the very first episode, they helped Tom Jackson win back the love of his life, Abby, and as was recently reported, they are now engaged (hopefully we’ll get to see the “Fab 5” planning the wedding!!!). Tom constantly said to the “Fab 5” “you can’t fix ugly,” but the “Fab 5” made him realize that he is a beautiful man inside and out who has a lot to offer. In another episode, they brought a community together when they not only gave a makeover to a firefighter, but they also remodeled a fire station and helped organize a fundraiser to train firefighters (P. S. I’m madly in love with Superman!).
The series also opens the conversation about social issues, such as the current situation between people of color and law enforcement. Kamaro had a heart-to-heart conversation with policeman Cory Waldrop, where they discussed the tension there is between the two communities in a heart-warming car ride. They also helped a closeted gay man build up the courage he needed to come out to his stepmother in a scene that had me crying my eyes out at my TV screen.
Throughout the series, the “Fab 5” remind us that we’re all human beings who crave love and acceptance and to be comfortable in our own skin. They help each man realize their own potential and build their self-confidence. Queer Eye is not *just* a reality TV show about makeovers; it is about showing the audience our human side and opening our hearts to one another by putting our differences aside. It masterfully captures how we have the power within ourselves to feel comfortable in our own bodies. As one of the “Fab 5” stated in the intro of the first episode, their fight is for “acceptance” and to “figure out how similar we are as opposed to how different we are.”