Growing up, I watched a lot of "getting-your-life-together" type of shows such as "Clean House", "Hoarders", and "Nanny 911". My mom and I would watch to see what they would do with the house or how effective they actually were in certain episodes. Most of these types of shows where people come into someone's lives are slightly judgemental and there's always some type of drama. "Queer Eye" stands apart from all others. Every episode is packed with laughter, tears and a ton of love.
If you aren't familiar with "Queer Eye", let me explain the concept. Five adorable and incredibly sweet gay men use their gifts to refresh and renew people in need of a clean slate and a new look. "Queer Eye" is so much more than a makeover. The men give their clients emotional boosts, present them new opportunities, introduce them to new perspectives and places, and manage to transform their client inside and out within a week. It sounds impossible, but with the love and knowledge they spread and share to every individual they meet, regardless of appearance, race, gender, sexuality, etc., you can see the genuine impact they make.
Here are my top 5 lessons that the Fab 5 of "Queer Eye" share that I think everyone should know.
5. Appearance is More Than How You Look
This is a lesson apparent in almost every episode. How you look and how your space (bedroom, house, apartment, etc.) looks can be a reflection of how you feel. When you actually choose to get up and refresh yourself, you'll often feel much better mentally as well. You feel more productive and productivity is the root to success as well as to mental wellness. Make your bed, wash your face, and feel good about yourself. Every day only happens once.
4. You Are Never Too *Anything* For Love
From clients in their early twenties to late fifties, the Fab 5 have convinced them to go out and find love if they haven't already. You are worthy of love - no matter how old you are, no matter what you look like. Never tell yourself otherwise and listen to your heart.
3. Everyone is Different From You and That's Beautiful
The Fab 5 never make someone feel bad for their physical appearance or for their personal interests and who they are. Instead, they find ways for their clients to feel comfortable and confident in a new, refreshed way. No one is the same and "Queer Eye" really embraces this. Our differences are what makes us beautiful and unique. We have all been through our own journeys, all have different perspectives and minds. This is how we grow as a society and as humanity. Never feel bad who you are, what you like, or how you look like because all those things make you who you are and YOU are beautiful.
2. Opportunity is Always Around the Corner
Life is difficult, and sometimes we feel hopeless, but with the right push, we can find opportunity wherever we are. We just have to look for it. From bottling a family recipe of barbecue sauce for their clients' restaurant to getting another client a local standup, the Fab 5 have found and shown ways for those they help to boost themselves and their lives - and everything has always been at the client's fingertips, the Fab 5 just give them the right push to go through with it. It's all about finding the drive to go further in life and seizing the day.
1. Being Vulnerable is the Greatest Strength
A lot of the people made over in "Queer Eye" have had an issue with confidence and vulnerability due to their pasts. The Fab 5 help teach every person that being vulnerable is something to be revered and does not make you weak. In fact, being vulnerable makes you stronger. This is my number one lesson from the show because I feel like everyone, especially in modern society, needs to understand that it's okay to feel things and feeling however you feel does not make you weak. It makes you human. You deserve to be heard and that starts with acknowledging the invisible walls you build around yourself and knocking them down.
To truly get a good sense of these lessons and to feel the compassion and love of the show, I highly suggest checking it out. "Queer Eye" is available on Netflix only and is totally worth the watch. Spread love everywhere and whether or not you choose to watch it, take these lessons with you.
