

Jonathan Van Ness on Shame, Shopping, Bodies, and Hope
May 9, 2022
In this conversation, Jonathan Van Ness, hairstylist, comedian, and beloved Queer Eye star, shares his journey through trauma and the importance of finding hope. He discusses the universality of grief and how curiosity can transform shame into love and resilience. Jonathan opens up about his body image struggles and the captivating connection between joy and healing. He also touches on shopping's complex role in self-identity and emphasizes the need for community advocacy, especially for LGBTQIA+ rights. A heartfelt dive into mental well-being!
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The Death of Bug the Second
- Jonathan Van Ness found the death of his cat, Bug the Second, deeply traumatizing.
- This grief brought up unresolved feelings from past traumas, highlighting the non-linear nature of grief.
Unexpected Trauma
- Despite experiencing other significant traumas, JVN considers the cat's death the most traumatizing due to its unexpected nature.
- Previous traumas like HIV and loss of his stepfather allowed for anticipatory grief.
Non-Linear Grief
- JVN's grief over Bug the Second resurfaced unresolved feelings from past losses.
- This realization highlighted the non-linearity of grieving.