Excerpt
IntroductionIn the last year, American men have come to know and expect that the dramatic arrival of five impeccably dressed gay men at their door can mean only one thing: Their life is about to get more fabulous. Hair is going to fly, horrible hetero habits will be exposed and eradicated, ratty futons and plastic flowers will get the heave-ho, the fridge will be carefully decontaminated. He must be torn down before a wonderful new, totally tszujed him can be erected. And you know what? Hell like it. No -- hell love it.
We know our mission and how important it is. Every second in America, a straight man puts on a pair of pleated pants. (The shock!) Every minute, a man lathers his bald head with a bar of soap and shaves it with a 29-cent throwaway razor. (The horror!) Right now, in cities and towns across this great land, there are men eating pork-n-beans out of can, grooming like Neanderthals, and dressing themselves in the darkness of utter couture-ignorance. (The tragedy!) You needed us, and we were there.
So what does this mean for you? Well, if youre reading this book, youre already halfway to a better you. Because the key to learning how to live a little better is just being open to it -- that is, simply, trying. What we talk about in the show and explain in this book isnt highly classified information thats just now being declassified from the archives of the Gay Bureau of Investigation. Women talk about this stuff all the time. Women trade makeup tips and swap recipes and tell each other whose butt looks fat in what. Its just part of their culture, and these are things that theyre comfortable -- and engaged in -- discussing. Traditionally, straight men (and, we hear, the occasional gay man from Austria) arent as open about these things. Why? Its not that they dont want to know. Who doesnt want to know when his butt looks fat? Or how to avoid bleeding when shaving? Its just not part of the conversations straight guys have.
Which is too bad. Because knowing how to dress better, how to behave better, how to look, cook, and live better . . . these arent girly topics. Theyre human topics. And as weve seen on the show, once you open up guys eyes to the wonders of hygiene management, a flattering wardrobe, and even perhaps some basic feng shui, theyre excited to know more. Teach a man to fish, and pretty soon hes pairing that fish with wild mushroom risotto and a crisp Pinot Grigio. A little tszuj goes a long way!
Perhaps straight guys dont talk about these things because theyre afraid itll make them seem gay. Trust us: no. Just no. Think about the guy you know who cares the most about wine, who dresses sharp, shakes hands properly, and doesnt smell like an athletic supporter. Do you think he worries that his interests seem effete? No. Because hes too busy beating off women with a stick. A little hair gel and some pants that fit arent going to set off anybodys gaydar, people. Women know whos gay and who isnt, and gay men definitely know. If tomorrow morning you shave correctly and wear a shirt thats actually your size, gay men arent all of a sudden going to start palming your ass on the sidewalks.
Another thing: A queer “eye” doesnt mean a queer look. Its a point of view, a receptiveness to looking at what works and what doesnt, instead of just accepting things as they are. Its an openness to whats stylish and fun, but not according to any predetermined formula. We dont want you to look just like us. Especially not like Carson. We know that you heteros just cant get away with his particular brand of sartorial splendor. We want you to look your best. That means taking who you are, emphasizing the best, eliminating the worst, and tweaking the rest. And that means a process: of checking out what youve already got working for you, what you can get working for you, and figuring out how to make that journey from A to B.
Lets repeat that: This is a journey, not a firm destination with confirmed reservations for the best penthouse suite. Picking up this book is like buying your ticket; reading the book is like actually taking the first leg. But this isnt the be-all and end-all of every last bit of information and advice on food and wine, grooming, decorating, fashion, and culture. We really are just gay men, not supermen. One book cant cover the whole universe of knowledge -- either that we have to offer or that you may want. Ted has hundreds of great recipes in his repertoire; Carson could write a whole book on belts -- actually, a whole book just on buckles. So dont expect that when you get to the last page, youll know everything there is to know. You will know the basics, and you will know what you want to pursue further. Youll know how to take those first steps toward enjoying life to the utmost (and having good hair while youre at it). Youll have a better idea of where youre going, and youll have fun getting there.
Bear in mind what we always say: Queer Eye isnt a make-over show; its a make-better show. Our goal isnt to turn you into someone else. If youre a jeans-and-T-shirt kind of guy, were not going to make you squeeze into an uptight suit and tie; if you see yourself as a long-haired rock-and-roller, were not going to tell you to get a Parris Island buzz cut. Thats so not what were about. But we will find you the right jeans and T-shirt, and we will make sure your long hair isnt harboring any tangles or aviaries. Were also not going to tell you to go out and spend $70,000 you dont have on a renovated kitchen -- or even $7 on a glass of wine you dont want. Its not about spending money, guys: Its about spending thought. Thats what the queer eye is about, and thats what make-better does.
-- The Fab Five
New York City