“Queer Eye” returns for its ninth season, tackling issues of self confidence, image and acceptance on their show. “Queer Eye” is an American reality television show that first aired on Netflix in Feb. 2018 as a reboot of the original series first made in 2003. In the show, the premise is that five mentors try to improve the lives and confidence of the “hero,” who are real life heroes throughout the community. 

This show is unique and differs from other shows, as the heroes not only go through a physical change but also an emotional and mental transformation over a one-week period, condensed into a 50-minute episode. Unlike many makeover shows, which only focus on the external, “Queer Eye” takes a multifaceted approach by identifying five key areas of growth: wardrobe, grooming and hygiene, cooking, home design and social emotional wellbeing.  Each episode tells the story of not only the transformation of the heros but also their journey behind the transformation, which is often an emotional one. The Fab Five doesn’t just change the way that people featured on the look but also help them rediscover their self worth, break down barriers and embrace their true self.  Many viewers struggle with their self-image, and “Queer Eye” exemplifies what it means to regain the confidence and strength that was lying deep inside them, serving as inspiration to viewers. 

It’s hard to feel good when clothing doesn’t fit the person or the occasion. Tan France seeks to remedy this concern. France is a fashion designer, entrepreneur and author, and he helps people improve their style by choosing clothing that fits their body and boosts their confidence. For example, with one hero who struggled with their self-image, France offered a variety of tips such as adding a second layer to an outfit and tucking in shirts to give the appearance of added height.

First impressions rely on appearances, which are a key component of self-confidence. Jonathan Van Ness is an expert hairstylist, author and activist. Van Ness typically helps heros with their haircuts, skincare and personal grooming to boost their confidence and to help them feel their best. In one episode, Van Ness supports a hero who has survived an oppressive childhood and marriage, and as a result, used to minimize her time spent on personal appearance. However, she was transformed when Van Ness helped her prioritize self care, giving her a new hairstyle that would show both her internal and external beauty. Van Ness’s segments of “Queer Eye” not only teach the hero how best to take care of themselves physically but also mentally.

Fuel is needed to power a healthy lifestyle, and this effort begins in the kitchen. Chef Antoni Porowski, an expert in food and wine who has authored two cookbooks and hosts his own baking show, leads this effort. Porowski helps the hero by teaching them how best to take care of themselves in the kitchen, which may include learning to prepare a favorite childhood recipe, or finding convenient and healthy cooking methods for a busy working family. In Porowski’s words, “cooking is an act of love and care for yourself and others.” Cooking is more than just eating; cooking can also allow for quality time with loved ones and is often seen as a way to express affection. This segment is often one of the most powerful, as the audience gets to see the hero literally taking matters into their own hands to improve their lives. 

Feeling comfortable in one’s home is essential because the home is a refuge and sanctuary. Jeremiah Brent is a new addition to Queer Eye this season, replacing long-time interior designer Bobby Berk. Brent, while an expert interior designer in his own right, seemed not to click with the other members of Fab Five as well as Berk did. Brent is an interior designer and entrepreneur, known for his own various design-related television shows. He redesigns spaces to make them more functional, stylish and reflective of their owner’s personality. In one particularly affecting episode in the new season dealing with the stigma of aging, Brent helps a hero declutter her home while honoring her personal history and accomplishments. Brent kept items from her days as a showgirl to her current reality of being a grandmother, curating deeply personal items to reflect the different times in the hero’s life to honor the past and celebrate the present. 

Connecting with others is vital, but it can be challenging when a person feels a lack of confidence. Karamo Brown, the co-founder of an organization addressing HIV stigma that provides mental health support and education for the Black LGBTQ+ community, is an expert in relationship and social interactions. In a key episode, Brown encouraged a hero to unpack her emotional baggage, helping her reclaim her story and reinforcing to her that she is a confident, strong woman. Oftentimes, Brown’s segments include a “field trip” to an emotionally relevant and significant location to the hero. In that episode, Brown took the featured hero to a skating rink, and although she was in her element skating, the Fab Five struggled and had many falls. On one hand, the display of five television hosts constantly falling is comedic; however, on the other hand, it is the perfect illustration of perseverance, as the hosts never give up and continue to try to skate. Failure is a necessary step on the path to success, and there are times when a person must pick themself up and try again, as explained by Brown, who said, “Being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. It shows you are in tune with yourself.” Many times people feel that they have to put up a facade or act a certain way to be liked, but this is oftentimes not true, as it is rather easy to see through this disguise. When the hero accepts that being their true authentic self is the best way to regain their confidence, they undergo the biggest change.

Each episode of “Queer Eye” highlights a different personal challenge and thus teaches the audience a unique lesson. The show demonstrates that with the right encouragement, a person can transform their life in as little as a week. The series furthers the idea that being self-confident leads to being a better person, and that when a person fully accepts their gifts and unique abilities, they are then able to offer those strengths to help others.