Jonathan Van Ness Gets Curious
The ‘Queer Eye’ grooming expert’s new Netflix show explores everything from bugs to being nonbinary
By Chris Azzopardi
Before I talk to Jonathan Van Ness about their new Netflix show, “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness,” they take me on a little on-camera adventure that involves them “needing cuter light.” They do a 180 with the computer. They swivel in their chair. “I need more natural light in my life, I’m sorry,” they say, still shifting and “getting comfortable.” And then once they find that magical spot where the light hits their face in just the right place, the 34-year-old “Queer Eye” grooming expert grooms their computer, gently wiping the lens with a tissue. If you’re going to wear what they’re wearing — it appears to be a chiffon kaftan — you don’t want a dusty ol’ lens muddying its bright pink radiance, honey. “I did an outfit change for you,” they say, having slipped into their new, flowier ensemble just before our interview. Van Ness, who is also a children’s book author and one of just a few openly nonbinary public figures, rocks an entire closet of gender-
nonconforming fashion on Season 6 of “Queer Eye,” which hit Netflix on New Year’s Eve 2021. On their new six-episode series, a TV adaptation of their podcast “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness,” the multi-hyphenate even has an entire episode devoted to gender identity. Featured in the episode, titled “Can We Say ByeBye to the Binary?,” are gender nonconforming activist Alok Vaid-Menon and Geo Neptune, the first two-spirit elected official in the state of Maine. With Van Ness, who says they hadn’t even heard the term nonbinary until the age of 30, Vaid-Menon and Neptune explore what their identity means to them and the history of our rigid gender binary. The show also intends to open up minds on other topics as well, such as why bugs aren’t so bad, figure skating’s minority barriers and, naturally, an entire episode on the history of coifs called “Why Is Hair So Major?” All aglow through a freshly cleaned computer camera, Van Ness spoke to me about the “sense of ease” they feel now, a dream “Getting Curious” guest star they’re not sure they could form words
around, and their very personal reason for being completely theirself around young queer people.
I watched a lot of “Getting Curious” yesterday and wanted to thank you for modeling curiosity, first of all. I think as adults we tend to lose our imagination and we just accept some things for the way that they are. Is that what you felt going into the show?
Well, I started “Getting Curious,” the podcast, in 2015. I’ve always been someone who loves to learn, and I’m just a very curious person. And I clearly love talking. So the idea — wanting to understand the world around me better — has been something that’s existed within me for as long as I can remember. So that was definitely something that I wanted the opportunity to break down on the Netflix stage ‘cause it’s a very big stage. And I wanted to bring a more visual, multimedium, multifaceted world in which the podcast — but as a TV show — could live. So I’m just really excited that we got the opportunity and that Netflix believed in me enough and that we can go explore the world together. So I’m just really excited that I have the opportunity and I hope everyone loves it.
You mention Netflix being a big stage, which it is. Is that why you were like, “You know what? We are gonna do an entire episode devoted to nonbinary and gender nonconforming people”?
Yeah. Being someone who is nonbinary is something that I think I’ve been my entire life. I only had language for it in these last few years. But the amount of trans misogyny that I’ve had to endure and live through in my own life pales in comparison to some of the trans misogyny that other people have had to go through within our community and within our trans community, specifically.
However, I wanted to humanize us. And it’s not only my job to do this, obviously. But I wanted to have a time where we could talk and be together and learn together and just have that humanity, ‘cause I think so often we are portrayed in this way that it’s just not human. It’s only around, like, violence or this feeling of, trans people are coming for our way of life. Or trans people are coming for tradition. Or trans people are coming for sports. Or trans people are coming for public safety, or whatever it is. And I wanted to show people that we are human and we are all sorts of different things that are not threatening, and actually very beautiful and amazing and are just as natural as the grass or rain. You know, we’ve been here forever. And I was really excited to get an opportunity to share that information.
There aren’t a lot of nonbinary public figures in the world, and you seem to be aware of that as you’ve been using your platform to really educate people.
Absolutely. I think that for me, being someone who was very mercilessly bullied all throughout my childhood and formative educational years, I’ve always been very moved by this thought of, “If I could make it easier for other people like me or put a little bit of an end to other people’s suffering, it would make my suffering more worth it.” And so I’ve always liked the idea of using what I’ve learned to help make other people’s lives easier.
I love that you said that because my colleague, whose queer son loves you, wanted to know how you feel when it’s a kid who looks to you as a huge inspiration as they’re navigating their own gender and identity.
That’s a really good question. I think sometimes when I see much younger children, like in my standup comedy show, I just feel immediately guilty. I’m like, “Oh my god. I hope I don’t traumatize them, honey, ‘cause we are going there tonight.” So in that sense, it can be a little bit harder, but so often I think about Margaret Cho when I think about how I want to live my life as a public figure. I was introduced to her work at a very young age. I was maybe 10 or 11 when I first saw one of her specials on Comedy Central. And she did not hold back. She was herself. She _is_ herself. She’s a full-bodied version of herself. And look at how I turned out. I’m fine.
So I just feel like I wanna be myself. I don’t wanna totally limit my art or my creativity thinking about, like, “Oh my gosh, is this gonna be too much for someone?” I feel honored that people of any age would look to me and find more self-love, more self-acceptance, more comedy, more joy. More curiosity. So I think I wanna think about that because if I think about, like, “Oh my gosh, I’m a role model for a lot of young people,” and even just success in general, if I thought about it too much, I would become really full of anxiety and unsure of what to do. And so I think in order for me to stay connected to myself and my own vision, I have to not think too much about the way that it’s gonna be received.
Do you have moments in your mind where you’re like, “What would this have meant to little Jonathan growing up in Quincy, Illinois?”
Very much. And sometimes that’s actually another one of those feelings where sometimes I think if I felt that feeling all the way, I know I’d just be in a corner crying because I can’t believe that I’ve been able to do this with my life. But I do hope that other young people seeing me achieve what I’ve been able to achieve in
Peach Scene @
Atlanta Cotillion: An Imperial Reunion reunited on March 19 at the Biltmore Imperial Ballroom. Cotillion Queens, Debutantes, Committee members and patrons had a beautiful evening to celebrate successes and raise funds for AID Atlanta’s PrEP Therapy Clinic serving uninsured and underinsured community members.
my career won’t find it so shocking when they achieve their dreams. Because for me growing up, I felt like it was unheard of. I didn’t think that I was ever gonna see someone like me be so successful and beloved and accepted and able to create their own projects. It really is such an honor. And I want other people, especially young people, to look at me and think that they can do it too.
Is this your first season on “Queer Eye” identifying openly as nonbinary?
I came out about being nonbinary in 2019, before we filmed Season 5, but I don’t know if me talking about it in that season made it to air.
I wondered because you are fully yourself this season in a way that I hadn’t really seen before. You’re really embodying your whole self, even down to the fashion. Did you feel differently this season?
Yeah. I think it’s just been such a fast four years, you know? From shooting Season 1 and 2 in Atlanta in 2017, which is when we actually shot that, and then Season 3 and 4, which we shot in 2018, really soon after the show had come out. Season 1 and 2 we shot together. Season 3 and 4, together. And then 5 was its own thing. And then 6 was its own thing. And so each one of those chunks I feel like I was in just a wholly different life situation every single time. Just neck-spraining differences in life situations. So I do think that the season between being married and … definitely this was the first season where I was public about my HIV status. Just very public in all of the things. And so I think that that maybe did lead to just a more overall sense of ease.
In “Getting Curious,” you’ve got some great guest stars, including Rachel Dratch, Lea DeLaria and Michelle Kwan. Who is on your dream guest star list for potential future
episodes of the show?
I mean, once you do have Michelle Kwan, I don’t know where else you’re gonna go from there. I kind of started with the most major one ever! But I mean, I feel like… is Adele ever available? Beyonce ? Michelle Obama, honey? Like, I’m shooting for the stars, but I don’t know. Who knows?
Oprah?
Oh my god, Oprah. Aaah! I don’t know if I could even have Oprah ‘cause I think I would literally do that for the whole 22 minutes. Aah! Aaah!
I’d watch it. I would. The title of that episode: “Can Jonathan Form Words Around Oprah?”
Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.
SInce this issue is all about Trans-Visibility, this palylist needs no introduction.
These artists (at the forefront of the trans movement in the music industry) all deserve the recognition and more.
From non-binary artists to gender fluid and trans, here are some of the top artists making strides in their careers; and we think they're F@#!-ing GREAT!
JEFFREY'S 50TH BIRTHDAY AT CAMPAGNOLO
PHOTOS BY RUSS BOWEN-YOUNGBLOOD
BARS
3 Bulldo g s 893 Peachtree S t NE
4 Fr iend s 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
6 My Sister’s Room66 12 th S t NE 7 X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave NE
BARS not on map
2 Blake's 227 10 th S t NE 1 FUTURE ATLANTA 50 Lower Alabama St. SW Suite
Dini
ng
10th& P iedmon t 991 Piedmont Ave NE
Camp ag nolo 980 Piedmont Ave NE
G’s M id t o w n 219 10 th S t NE
Henr y ’s 132 10 th S t NE
L a H acienda 900 Monroe Dr NE
Guac y Margys 502 Amsterdam Ave NE
Peach Scene @
PALS BINGO @ LIPS ATLANTA
ARIES: You are reaching for the stars this week as you prepare to embark on a journey of your dreams. If you let yourself lose sight of those dreams though, you are going to regret losing traction. Don't fall for the distractions!
TAURUS: You are going to have some amazing opportunities coming your way this week, but if you dont know which one to take, then you need to take a step back and breathe. You cannot be impulsive with the choices you make this week.
GEMINI: You have a long road ahead of you this week. If you are concerned about the fact that the journey is going to be long and arduous, then maybe you aren't cut out for what comes next... but we think you got this down!
CANCER: Adventure is in your blood and you are hoping that this week there will be some big adventures to embark on. When and if they happen this week you will finally get the chance to enjoy yourself after weeks of being at the mercy of your schedule.
LEO: You might find yourself in a heated argument this week but you need to take a moment to see the other person's point of view. Your big personality is going to get in the way and you have to make sure that if you decide to bite back that you have your facts straight. Don't jump into something that you dont know.
VIRGO: Someone is going to share exciting information with you and they will want to see an ecstatic reaction from you. They could be a good friend, family member or close friend and if you can support them in their good news, then their fondness for you will grow even more!
LIBRA: You have to be careful with your attention today because if you lose sight of the task at hand, you are going to be dealing with the repercussion for the week. And if you let your week landslide out of control... well, it wont be fun.
SCORPIO: You need to take this week to add something to your life that is magical and fun. You have been driven by rigorous schedules and working long hours, so if you can take a moment to TRULY be yourself it will make all the difference.
SAGITTARIUS: The energy of the universe is going to find its way into your home and you are in for a whirwind of a week. How can you prepare your life to avoid any of the mess that could happen with the insanity that life can bring?
CAPRICORN: Every chance you get this week to explore something new, you should. The energy of the universe is going to zip through you and you are going to want nothing more than adventure this week. So why not indulge a little?
AQUARIUS: RICH! FILTHY RICH! Rich doesnt necessarily mean monetary though. If you have riches in life or in energy then you might really enjoy this week. You have so much about to happen that you need to check yourself and see how to utilize this wealth to the best of your ability.
PISCES: This week is full of positivity for you and you are going to be the happiest you have been in a long time. Take this week with a grain of salt and see the joy that surrounds you in friends, family and other aspects in life. You will thank YOURSELF later.
BARS & CLUBS
MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl. com
736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
X MIDTOWN fb.com/XMidtownX 990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW 840ATL 840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW ANSLEY
MIDTOWN MOON 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch.com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
DINING
MIDTOWN
10TH & PIEDMONT 10thandpiedmont. com
991 Piedmont Ave NE
G’S gsmidtown.com 219 10th St NE
HENRY’S henrysatl.com 132 10th St NE
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com
900 Monroe Dr NE
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
RETAIL
MIDTOWN
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
CHESHIRE
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
ANSLEY
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com 1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE
FITNESS
MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbody tness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS
graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW CHESHIRE
March 23rd - March 30th
The Back Room w/ Donofrio @ Heretic | Friday March 25th (10 PM) Special The first Back Room of 2022 is here just in time for Spring w/ Donofrio! Donofrio, one half of the Duo KIA, is an up-and-coming Brooklyn based DJ. Donofrio plays a multi genre mix of high energy, drum forward sounds edged with a cunty flair.
Subscribe for tickets @ QueenButchEvents.com
Dress Code: Leather / Latex / Kink
Barking Leather Cigar Social @ Barking Leather | Saturday March 26th (5 - 9 PM)
March 26th, 2022 5-9 PM
1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A Atlanta GA 30324
We had such a good time last month, we're doing it again! Join us Saturday, March 26th, 2022, for a leather social. Bring your gear, bring your cigars (the back patio will be open) and come hang out!
Garden Party @ Botanical Gardens | Saturday March 26th (5 - 9 PM)
Join us for the Garden’s official kickoff to spring!
Enjoy live music, cocktails, refreshments, flower arranging demos and more while strolling among countless spring bulbs at Garden Party, a special ticketed event, Saturday, March 26 from 5 – 9 p.m.
**Complimentary daytime admission for members and guest passes are not accepted at this special event. All guests require a timed ticket. Families welcome. Recommended attire: Garden chic.
Learn more: atlantabg.org/calendar/garden-party/
Dazzler Disco Party@ @ Mary's | Saturday March 26th (10 PM)
It's time for a DAZZLING disco party! In honor of one of our favorite roller-skating, disco dancing, popstar mutants this party will have decades spanning disco dance hits! Come ready to DANCE!
Deviant ATL Dev'Chella @ Heretic | Saturday March 26th (10 PM - 3 AM)
Deviant ATL returns with a Coachella themed party — March 26th!
Think Hippie: peace and love, because that's what we're all about.
Get creative, stay sexy, and let's have some fun!
Get creative, stay sexy, and let's have some fun, celebrating our own freedoms as black and brown queer people! Saturday, March 26th.
General Admission is completely FREE until midnight! ( TICKET REQUIRED) Covid regulations in place. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is REQUIRED for entry .
Deviant Dress Code is required! Don't kill the vibes- Have fun with it! Dressing the part is half the fun, and kind of the whole point: #QueerAF #SexPositive
#BodyPositive
rground Circuit w/ Las Bibas from Vizcaya @ Future | Saturday March 11 PM - 3 AM)
Happy to welcome back Las Bibas!
WUSSY Presents Bottoms Up Drag Brunch w/ Roxxxy Andrews @ City Winery
Atlanta | Sunday March 27th (1 PM-3 PM)
Enjoy this boozy drag brunch featuring special guest Roxxxy Andrews from RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars!
Doors open at 11:30AM, show starts at 1:00PM.
Performances By:
* Roxxxy Andrews from RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars
* Nicole Paige Brooks from RuPaul's Drag Race
* Brigitte Bidet
* Coco Iman Starr
* Dotte Com
* Stella Pearl Fontaine + More!
Meet & Greet with Roxxxy Andrews available as an add-on!
The Masquerade presents... Sunday, March 27th, 2022
Hell at The Masquerade Flobots w/ Bonelang
Flobots @ Masquerade | Sunday March 27th (7 PM)
7:00 PM Doors
$20 ADV / All Ages
Tickets available @ The Masquerade Box Office or online FRI 1/14 @ 10 AM: masq.in/Flobots3-27
For More Info Please Visit: MASQ.com @Masquerade_ATL
Gear Night @ The Hideaway | Wednesday March 30th (7 - 9 PM)
Calling all Doms, Daddies, Sirs, Subs, Boys and Pups! (And everyone/thing in-between!) Join your fellow Atlanta Kinksters for a casual night of gear and good times at the Hideaway. We’ll be slinging a kinky cocktail special from 7pm to 9pm March 30th!
Hideaway and your hosts, David and Paul, invite you to brush off your best gear (keep it PG-69 y’all) and come out for our first gear themed happy hour!
We’ll have a bar tab raffle at 8:45pm. (Maybe even a few other prizes) Earn an entry for every cocktail you order while in gear.
Dear Peach,
I hate to say this, but I am confused by the different gender expressions and sexualities.
How can I educate myself more on the matter and make sure that I am honoring those around me by using proper pronouns; even if that’s the smallest thing I can do?
Honestly, it’s not unheard of There are many people out there who are confused as you are by the various gender and sexuality expressions nowadays. However, we have to realize that these expressions always existed Sexuality (as explained by Kinsey and the "Kinsey Spectrum”) is just that, a spectrum. Some people exist on the spectrum as 100% homosexual, heterosexual or somewhere in between.
We have to understand gender expression as the same thing.
If we believe that gender falls into societal constructs of what a male and female should be wearing, doing, or other… those are constructs that unfortunately reinforce these notions. If someone decides that they identify as female with biological male parts, then we have to accept that. The brain is a very powerful thing and everyones is working in overdrive these days. What does it matter what is between your legs?
Everyone is human and we need to accept the fact that those around us can be different than us It’s what makes the world more vibrant and diverse. Being nice costs you nothing, but can make the person you are nice to feel EVERYTHING!
