Hairdresser, “Queer Eye” host, and gymnastics enthusiast Jonathan Van Ness, or JVN visited Sonoma State virtually on zoom on April 5, for a live question and answer session. The night was put on by Associated Students and was hosted by two Sonoma State students, Mac Patefeild and Loren Smith. They engaged in fun conversation with Jonathan as they moderated student questions. Jonathan shared a plethora of personal anecdotes and imparted wisdom about the college experience.

The night began with Jonathan sharing their experience as a non-binary person in Hollywood, and expressed their gratitude for being able to live authentically. They also shared that at times the pressure to be a representative for the LGBTQ+ community and at times being unsure of how to navigate that responsibility. The spotlight was first put on Jonathan after becoming a favorite among fans on the Netflix reboot of Queer Eye. Queer Eye has served as a place for 5 seasons now where Jonathan demonstrates their skills as a hairdresser and imparts self love wisdom to the guests on each episode. 

Van Ness’s’ passion for hair began in the summer of 1997 on summer break when they felt the onset of boredom from the previous summer when they were fixated by the ‘96 Olympic Games. While Jonathan’s’ passion was clear, talent came later after a failed attempt to use a 90s staple hair product, the topsy turvy, and an accident involving a round brush that resulted in a hair disaster. 

JVN has not shied away from using their platform to advocate for political policy, and remained an outspoken supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and the LGBTQ+ community. During their time shooting Queer Eye in Atlanta, GA JVN witnessed the growth and conversation around their political climate that they found to be very inspiring.

Alumni from the University of Arizona, JVN began their college experience at 17 years old, happy to be living out of their hometown for the first time in their life. They spent those years as a cheerleader and expressed their love for the sport of gymnastics while doing it. When asked about what advice their current self would impart on a college-aged Jonathan they responded by wishing they had appreciated the opportunity to learn a bit more. Overwhelmed with the newfound freedom college afforded them, learning was not always their top priority, since then they have been able to fulfill this innate desire for knowledge through their podcast “Getting Curious,” that they started in 2015. 

Being a bit of a self love guru Jonathan was sure to share some of their tips with Sonoma’s’ students. JVN reminded students that self love is not linear, but at times messy and unpredictable. They stressed that, “your relationship with yourself is important to nurture and honor” and is the most important relationship you will ever have.