The Fab Five are coming back: Season 3 of Netflix’s Queer Eye drops on Friday, which means more emotional stories about learning to love yourself. And the group’s grooming expert, Jonathan Van Ness, is proof that it’s never too late to welcome change into your life.
In addition to dishing out self-care advice and grooming tips on the show, Van Ness has also recently embarked on an ambitious new endeavor of his own; learning to figure skate. A lifelong fan of the sport, he shares regular updates of his progress on social media, and has even received expert training from skating legend Michelle Kwan.
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Smack a queen in the face, my dreams are coming true left and right, and I just simply cannot believe. My idol @michellewkwan helped me get my life together for my #RoadtoBejing tour. Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Denver shows just added. Check out @People for more about the tour! More to come on the tour later this year. Music courtesy of Cher’s 2019 Here We Go Again Tour, and biggest biggest thanks to @michellewkwan for being the wind beneath my gay wings! I can’t wait to see you all as I leave it all on the stage, giving you my best standup ferosha. Get yo tickets, link in bio, they’re going fast. #jvnskates choreography by @eliothalverson
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Figure skating requires an incredible amount of core strength, although that’s no problem to Van Ness, who has a background in cheerleading and has been practicing yoga for years.
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My first almost scratch spin 😭😭 #jvnskates ⛸⛸ 🎥 @eliothalverson
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He’s also no stranger to the kind of emotional personal transformations that feature on Queer Eye. Last year, Van Ness opened up about gaining 70 pounds in three months following the death of his stepfather. In an Instagram post, he wrote:
“After my step dad passed away I gained 70 pounds in 3 months. I didn’t like how I felt or looked, it’s so important for me to look back and tell that man from 5 years ago he was lovely and gorge. I can celebrate where I am now as long as I send love to the ‘me’s’ along the way #transformationtuesday #selfacceptance #fitness”
He’s got a point: Even if you’re embarking on a dramatic weight loss journey, it’s important to love yourself no matter what you look like.
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After my step dad passed away I gained 70 pounds in 3 months. I didn’t like how I felt or looked, it’s so important for me to look back and tell that man from 5 years ago he was lovely and gorge. I can celebrate where I am now as long as I send love to the “me’s” along the way #transformationtuesday #selfacceptance #fitness
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Van Ness’ experience resonated with other Instagram users, with one commenter writing: “I did the same thing. I am working it off now and healing in the process. Thanks for sharing it makes me feel less alone in my journey.”
“I literally just got back from the gym today and I feel like I’m not making much progress. But this reminded me to look back and appreciate how far I’ve come and to not hate either my past or current self,” another replied. “Thank you so much!”
Van Ness has been outspoken about body positivity, both on Queer Eye and on his Instagram account. And whether it’s his yoga, skating, or haircutting prowess, he is quick to remind viewers that his skills didn’t come without years of hard work and dedication.
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It took me practicing yoga every day for 5 years to get this. If it looks easy, someone probably worked very hard for it, so whatever it is you’re learning be gentle and compassionate w yourself & watch till the end 🤦🏻♂️ #instaomcrew #inversions #compassion
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“If it looks easy, someone probably worked very hard for it,” Van Ness wrote alongside one video. “So whatever it is you’re learning, be gentle and compassionate (with) yourself.”
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