JVN: the Hero we Deserve
He resembles a fierce Celine toting Jesus, knows anything and everything about the United States gymnastics team and he loves Bob Ross, but the best thing about the Queer Eye star is his ability to low key influence what we buy, wear, and say and even how we feel.
image via glamourmagazine.co.uk
I first fell in love with the charismatic Jonathan Van Ness when he was the host of the weekly Game of Thrones recap series Gay of Thrones. Literally, I only know what is going on in GOT because of Gay of Thrones (the nicknames he gives the characters… sheer brilliance). It’s comedic genius and it gave us our first taste of the JVN charm we now know and love.
Jonathan Van Ness & Brad Goreski in Gay Of Thrones. Image via funnyordie.com
But now the world is blessed with a full blown phenomenon known as Queer Eye. I have zero chill when it comes to my love of this show. In my humble opinion, it is a shining light in a world full of chaos. And the boys are genuine, kind and a blast to watch each episode. The show has also given us some of the freshest catch phrases since Broad City birthed ‘YAAS Queen”. Here are a few of my favorites selected among the many gems we’ve been given.
images via Netflix
I mean, its V hard to pick a favorite, right?
The joy doesn’t stop there though. Since the show became an overnight hit (duh, but still impressive), the boys have become bonafide social media stars and by proxy, influencers.
I’m almost always aware of the fact that I am susceptible to the power of subliminal and non nonsubliminal marketing. In fact, I have 2 Golden Girl sweatshirts to prove it. But I do feel like I was straight up swindled (in the best way possible) by JVN and his clever way of making me feel like I need any and everything he’s promoted…
image via Netflix
Example 1) I bought a water pik. I hate flossing because I’m a total wimp, and because JVN told us the gain was worth the pain.
from left: image via represent.org. image via @mrreedallen on Instagram
Example 2) I supported his Representorg campaign. The only thing better than supporting your favorite celebrities is supporting them while also supporting a charitable cause at the same time. And she real cute and comfy, so I think thats a triple win.
image via VanityPlanet.com
Example 3) Vanity Planet’s Flow Ceramic Straightening Hair Brush. I bought this after watching just 2 of the 5 Instagram videos JVN posted about it. To be real, I have no idea how it is supposed to work (but that is more me than the product), but I still try to use it when I fix my coif.
As if all the amazing information already documented wasn’t enough, there is the fact that our little JVN appreciates the majesty and importance of the one, the only, Bob Ross.
image via Netflix
To me, there is no one who represents a happy and relaxed sense of being than Bob Ross. He’s the king of Happy Little Clouds and he gave us the notion that in life there are no mistakes, just happy accidents.
This is the same ideology that I think the world can and does take from our JVN. He’s Here for positivity and love and On Time for self care and human connection. He tells us to love who we are, be proud of our differences, and celebrate what makes us happy. Bob always taught us to not take things too seriously, and I think Jonathan is continuing the legacy quite nicely. and I am not the only one who thinks so, considering Netflix gave him his own viral video, Jonathan’s Bob Ross Corner.
Lastly, I feel it’s necessary to mention I am not a stalker, nor am I crazed fan (awkward breath of both fear and worry). I am however all about supporting people who are here to better people’s lives in whatever form that takes. JVN makes us laugh, he makes cry, he makes us feel like we can be Beyonce and all while trying to help others. To me, that is not only something to championed, its something to be emulated. Can you believe? Yes… yes I can… Hashtag YAAS KWEEN.
image via @jvn on Twitter
