Jonathan Van Ness continues their journey of advocacy, joy, and personal growth.
Jonathan Van Ness doesn’t believe in slowing down. Not after everything they’ve lived through—and certainly not now, as they prepare to bring their razor-sharp wit and signature glam to Auckland this September. For fans who first met the gregarious grooming expert on Netflix’s Queer Eye, or those who felt the full emotional weight of their 2019 memoir Over the Top, Van Ness’s evolution has been nothing short of extraordinary.
‘I’ve always said healing isn’t linear,’ Van Ness shared recently on their podcast Getting Curious, which remains one of the most popular in the U.S. ‘And some days, it’s a backslide in a sequin bodysuit.’
That vulnerability—equal parts heartbreak and high-kick—is part of what made Over the Top such a raw, revelatory success. Their 2022 follow-up, Love That Story: Observations from a Gorgeously Queer Life, built on that foundation with more bite, more honesty, and a bold call for compassion in a culture still grappling with how it views gender, identity, and trauma.
But not all recent chapters in Van Ness’s life have been glitter and gratitude. In 2022, Rolling Stone published a much-discussed exposé detailing allegations from former Queer Eye colleagues about Van Ness’s intensity and emotional outbursts behind the scenes. The public scrutiny hit hard.
‘It was like having your diary published,’ they told The Guardian earlier this year. ‘I’ve worked so hard to be a safe space, and suddenly I felt exposed in a way that was heartbreaking.’
Rather than retreat, Van Ness did what they’ve always done: they grew. ‘I want people to realise you’re never too broken to be fixed,’ they told The New York Times.
And the world is still watching.
Since its 2018 reboot, Queer Eye has become an international phenomenon—winning multiple Emmys and, this past December, launching its ninth season. Van Ness’s role as the show’s grooming guru is often the most emotionally impactful, their scenes with participants revealing the deeper meaning of self-care.
‘Self-care is not a luxury,’ they tell us in Over the Top, ‘it is an act of survival.’
Van Ness will return to Aotearoa for their Hot & Heeled comedy tour, which hits Auckland on Saturday 27 September. Equal parts stand-up and storytelling, the show blends queer joy, political commentary, and eyebrow-raising anecdotes in classic JVN style.
‘I’m talking about everything—cats, capitalism, my favourite moisturiser. But also real things, like navigating shame, reclaiming my story, and living loud in a world that wants you to shrink,’ Van Ness told The Advocate. ‘Plus, my legs look amazing in heels right now, so I feel like the people deserve to see that.’
Beyond the sequins, Van Ness continues to use their platform for advocacy. Whether they’re educating audiences about HIV stigma, LGBTQ+ rights, or the importance of civic engagement, there’s a fire in their message—and a warmth that never fades.
Speaking to The Advocate, Van Ness said: ‘I don’t pretend to have it all figured out. But I do know that joy, resilience, and a little glitter can carry you through almost anything.’
As they prepare to take the stage in Auckland, one thing is clear: Jonathan Van Ness isn’t just surviving—they’re thriving. And they’re inviting us all to come along for the ride.
Other Openly HIV+ Celebrities Helping to Combat Stigma:
- Billy Porter – The Emmy-winning actor and singer revealed in 2021 that he has been living with HIV since 2007. He uses his platform to challenge stigma and promote understanding.
- Charlie Sheen – The actor announced in 2015 that he is HIV-positive, bringing significant media attention to the virus.
- Magic Johnson – The former NBA star revealed his HIV-positive status in 1991. Since then, he has been a prominent advocate for HIV awareness and education.
- Ongina & Charity Kase – Both these RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni disclosed their positive status on the show, aiming to raise awareness and support others living with HIV.
Gareth Thomas - Gareth Thomas – The former Welsh rugby captain came out as HIV-positive in 2019 and has since worked to educate the public and reduce stigma surrounding the virus.
JVN’s Top Queer Eye Moments
- AJ’s Makeover (Season 1, Episode 4: ‘To Gay or Not Too Gay’)
Helping AJ come out to his stepmother was an emotional high point. JVN’s gentle support and heartfelt advice made a huge impact, showing their ability to go beyond surface-level grooming. - Making Over a Pastor (Season 2, Episode 1: ‘God Bless Gay’)
JVN’s respect for and transformation of a religious leader who had struggled with acceptance of gay people showed maturity and grace. Their connection was unexpectedly moving. - Supporting Skyler, a Trans Man (Season 2, Episode 5: ‘Sky’s the Limit’)
JVN’s conversation with Skyler about body image, scars, and trans identity was raw and respectful. He helped Skyler feel seen in a world that often doesn’t recognise trans stories. - Encouraging Jess to Love Herself (Season 3, Episode 5: ‘Black Girl Magic’)
JVN connects deeply with Jess, a young Black lesbian woman navigating self-worth. Their words about owning your identity and loving yourself unapologetically were incredibly affirming and healing. - The Skydiving Freak-Out (Season 4, Episode 8: ‘Farm to Able’)
When the Fab Five go skydiving with Wesley, JVN’s scream-laughing freak-out mid-air is a pure comedy moment that also shows his willingness to face his fears.
