The iconic Queer Eye series, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, is set to bring together its original cast for a much-anticipated reunion event on December 16. While fans are eagerly awaiting this momentous occasion, Jai Rodriguez, the show’s pop culture and relationships expert, has hinted at intriguing backstage secrets.
During an Instagram Live interview with Philadelphia Gay News, Rodriguez alluded to unanswered questions about the sexuality of the straight men transformed on the show. The discussion stemmed from the 10-year reunion special in 2013, hosted by Bravo’s Andy Cohen. When Cohen asked whether all the men made over by the fab five were truly straight, Rodriguez was singled out as the one to provide insight.
Now, Rodriguez has promised to unveil the full story behind that question at the upcoming 20th reunion event. He confessed, “I do have a story there, but I only gave a soundbite on Andy, so at the reunion show, you’ll get the full story.” After two decades, it seems he believes it’s finally safe to share.
The original Queer Eye series, which concluded in 2007, featured five gay professionals offering fashion, grooming, and interior design guidance to heterosexual men. This groundbreaking show was instrumental in reshaping perceptions. In 2018, Netflix rebooted the series with a new Fab Five, cementing its status as a global sensation.
While the reboot has flourished, it’s worth noting that not all was smooth sailing during the original series’s inception. Carson Kressley, who also serves as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, revealed that other networks initially hesitated due to the show’s name, considering it too aggressive. Fortunately, Bravo saw the potential and embraced the show’s mission to reclaim the term “Queer Eye” and give it a positive connotation.
As fans eagerly await the 20th-anniversary reunion event, it’s clear that Jai Rodriguez has a captivating tale to share, one that will undoubtedly add another layer to the legacy of Queer Eye.