Self-care is the non-negotiable. That's the thing that you have to do. And beauty is the thing that can be the benefit of the self-care. Beauty is not the point. Beauty is just a cute side-effect from self-care.
Jonathan Van NessRead
Even though I'm a hairdresser and I love doing hair, I feel like I don't look like a groomer. When I think of how a groomer would look in relation to the first version of 'Queer Eye,' I feel like I don't fit in that box.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the struggle of fitting into stereotypical roles associated with one's profession.
In this quote, Jonathan Van Ness explores the dissonance between one's professional identity and societal expectations. As a hairdresser who feels a disconnect from traditional grooming stereotypes, he highlights the complexities of personal identity and the pressure to conform to certain images, particularly in the context of cultural representations found in media like 'Queer Eye.'
Themes
IdentityProfessionStereotypesGroomingSelf-Image
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a workshop on embracing personal identity in professional settings.
More from Jonathan Van Ness
All quotes →I want people to fall in love with themselves and to be really proud and full of joy for the space they take up. If someone else appreciates the space you take up, then that's icing on the cake.
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I grew up in a town of 30,000 people, and 'Queer Eye' was a beacon of light.
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People who fundamentally disagree with you politically or socially are not bad people. I can't expect that other side to have compassion for me if I can't put myself in their shoes, too.
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There are times when you should listen to what people say about you, but also a lot of times you just don't need to listen so much. Don't worry so much and just go. Unless you're, like, in danger, and then don't. And then run, girl.
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