I had read a lot about “Queer Eye For the Straight Guy” before this summer but had never actually seen it. I knew it was critically acclaimed and a big hit on cable — the No. 1 show in the history of Bravo. I just figured I wouldn’t like it. Not because the stars were gay, but because I didn’t really want the sexuality of the show’s stars flaunted in front of me. Maybe I wasn’t as tolerant as I thought?
It was also reality television, and as I have found, the people on reality programs aren’t real at all. The fact that the word “queer” was used in the title led me to believe that the “queer” characters would not in fact act like real people, but stereotypic interpretations of homosexuals. I didn’t want that. I didn’t think I was missing anything. I was completely wrong.
It’s funny how summer changes things. I found time to read books, rent movies and watch all the television shows I had missed. The summer would be my great return to the idiot box, with time to devour hours of ESPN, cable news and countless baseball games. I happened upon “Queer Eye” by chance, and after a few chance viewings, my Tuesday night “Real World” umbilical cord was cut. Mom would be so proud.
My first few minutes of “Queer Eye” were found while surfing the vast canyon of stolen cable during a break in the NBA finals. There was this guy named Ted, skinny with thick-framed glasses and a deep voice, teaching this other less-informed gentleman, who I figured to be the pupil, how to sauté spinach and prepare a medium-rare London broil. Ted was discussing the advantages of a balanced diet and how to include the necessary amounts of protein, vegetables and other nutritious amenities into one’s daily intake without sacrificing taste. He came across as a true expert.
Ted was funny. Not funny hilarious, but chuckle worthy. The back-and-forth with his pupil, a completely clueless chap who was living on some diet he perceived as both hip and functional, was an easy setup. Ted was trying to trace him in without making too much fun of him. Not once did it even register that Ted was gay. I switched back to watch the Pistons take down the Lakers, but I promised to make an effort to watch the show all the way through at least once. I needed to know what I was missing.
I found two bags of spinach, garlic cloves and olive oil in my grocery bags the next time I returned from the store. The show had somehow — in a matter of five minutes — taught me how to cook something. Unbelievable.
The next episode was to be seen from the opening credits. Carson, Jai, Thom, Ted and Kyan flew into another clueless heterosexual, unable to make the move from college to adult life. They were like superheroes, complete with bright clothes and catchphrases. They each had their own area of expertise, be it fashion, culture, interior design, grooming or cooking. They painted, decorated, danced, exercised and shopped like a teenage girl with daddy’s credit card. They mulled over mullets. They man-scaped. They taught etiquette. Double-entendre was used with magnificence. And people listened. With their powers combined, they were unstoppable. And they were completely entertaining.
“Queer Eye” became an easy icebreaker, a common ground for conversation. It’s absolutely amazing how saturated the show has become in popular culture. Ten years ago I’m not sure such a program could exist, let alone be as successful. When Ellen DeGeneres’ character on her self-titled sitcom came out in the late-’90s, the show didn’t last more than another season. Since then, “Will & Grace” has become an incredible hit.
“Queer Eye” is an interesting statement of where we are as a society. The show is a reality program with a cast of gay characters. Such a premise can be seen as very socially progressive, yet the show doesn’t deal with the reality of being gay. “Queer Eye” is about the problems of straight males and the gay characters are merely observers. The “Fab 5” might as well just be experts. Their sexuality is not addressed other than in passing side comments. And in 10 years down the line will the title “Queer Eye For the Straight Guy” be perceived as appropriate as it is today? Is the show really that progressive at all?
It’s a small step. For the first time in history, people, in mass numbers, are tuning into a show with real gay men. It’s showing a new level of tolerance amongst the millions of American couch potatoes. When gay marriage and civil rights are garnering headlines across the country, the men of “Queer Eye” are familiarizing the rest of us with what once was too much of a taboo. And for the first time, straight men are open to the help of gay men. I sure as hell wouldn’t mind finding those guys on my doorstep one morning. I could definitely use their help.
Drew Hansen is a fifth-year senior majoring in journalism and communication arts. He can be reached via email at [email protected]. This is Mr. Hansen’s third year writing for The Badger Herald.
