TheQueer Eyestar reveals a catchy LGBTQ+ cheer and sounds off against anti-drag legislation.
Jonathan Van Ness is more than justQueer Eyes grooming guru.
I just really want to be head cheerleader for the queer community, Van Ness tells Bustle.
The 36-year-old nonbinary hairstylist goes beyond using hair products and shaving creams to make people feel empowered.
Thats a hundreds-of-years-old problem that were up against, Van Ness says.
None of this is new.
Weve had oppression from the government for hundreds of years.
Now we have to figure out how to get in front of it.
Definitely Most School Spirit.
And so much fun!
Yay, us go!Or Best Hair!
Only because genetically, I just dont know how much longer Im going to have it.
So while I have it, it may be Best Hair.
But thats a really stiff competition.
Maybe Most School Spirit is more realistic.
I like to be realistic about goals.
How do you feel about anti-drag laws popping up across the nation?
Alsodrag is historical it is not new.
Its such a blatant act of hypocrisy.
Then its the erasure of gay and queer people, LGBTQIA+ people.
What would you say to the lawmakers who are opposing the art of drag?
They have been given misinformation, and they have taken that as truth.
Now they are taking their faith, their religion, and this misinformation, and theyre legislating with it.
Because drag is not a threat to kids.
But when its queer, its this threat to the public.
Not all of them have a bad heart.
Who are your favorite drag queens and why?
Oh, I knew you were gonna ask me that.
It really depends on what season of my life Im in.
I just love all of them.
Theres very few queens that I dont like.
What is the most memorable drag show youve ever attended?
I sawAquaria at aDrag Raceviewing partyin Manhattan in the summer of 2019.
That was pretty iconic.
But some of my favorite drag shows that I ever saw were in Tucson, in the early 2000s.
But I also like some amazing Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn performers.
Ive seen a lot of amazing people perform.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onJune 15, 2023
