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You are here: Home / LGBTQ+ / Jonathan Van Ness: Is Authenticity His Superpower?
Jonathan Van Ness: Is Authenticity His Superpower?

Jonathan Van Ness: Is Authenticity His Superpower?

September 10, 2019 By Cade Hildreth Leave a Comment

Most people are probably familiar with the show Queer Eye. The original, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, was released in 2003 and reeled in nearly 7 million viewers.

The 2018 reboot was received equally warmly. It won three Emmy Awards last year and has been nominated for six more in 2019.

With all this success it’s hardly surprising that the Fab 5 boasts a total of 14.5 million Instagram followers. Front and center is The Hollywood Reporter’s Man of the Year, Jonathan Van Ness.

Head of grooming and podcast host, you only have to scroll through Jonathan Van Ness’ Instagram to see evidence of his amazing adventures. But what’s the real secret to his success? Could it be his amazing authenticity?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) on Aug 30, 2019 at 3:56pm PDT

Read on to find out the top tips for living authentically that we can learn from Jonathan Van Ness.

Be True to Yourself

When it comes to authenticity, this is the number one rule. Being true to yourself is about embracing everything that you are, both good and bad, and sharing it with the world.

As we’ve all seen on Queer Eye, sometimes this involves accepting a challenge we never thought we’d overcome. On the show, Van Ness acknowledges his own struggles. He opens up about everything from his struggle with depression through to how he conquers his skincare woes.

In doing so he accepts every part of who he is and embraces his authentic self.

Van Ness’ Instagram page is full of videos of him learning new skills that interest him. Not content to be just ‘Jonathan from Queer Eye’ he has worked hard mastering gymnastics and figure skating. It’s a testament to chasing your goals, regardless of what expectations other people might have for you.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Practicing those passes to get back on my #roadtobeijing tour! Standup comedy meets gymnastics meets a night of glamour 🏳️‍🌈😂 get your tickets & full list of cities link in bio 💕💕 #fulltwistingjvn

A post shared by Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) on Sep 5, 2019 at 11:07am PDT


But Van Ness also acknowledges that this hasn’t always been the case. In an interview with Dazed, he recounts the story of when he cut his hair short to please an ex-partner. Shortly after they broke up, he realized the importance of doing things for himself and not because others want you to. It’s an extremely important lesson for all of us.

Jonathan Van Ness Sticks to His Guns

When being true to yourself, it’s important to stick to what feels right. Van Ness was recently interviewed by Vulture. During this interview, he spoke out against a Supreme Court ruling that favored a homophobic bakery’s refusal to bake a gay couple a cake.

While even some of his co-stars didn’t agree with his stance, Van Ness stuck to his argument. He discussed the matter with passion and an awareness of the legal implications of this case.

This kind of commitment to his beliefs was inspiring. It also demonstrates his remarkable authenticity even in the face of opposition.

But this example also shows how Van Ness goes a step further when it comes to presenting an argument. He takes the time to inform himself about the facts before discussing an issue.

This allows him to make a sound, logical judgment that he can back up. And this leads us to our next point.

Authenticity Means Acknowledging Your Blindspots

While a lot of his early Queer Eye content featured his light-hearted and fun-loving side, Jonathan Van Ness’ podcast has revealed an engaging, curious, and intellectual side of him.

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness shows us that you can always work to expand your understanding of the world. This weekly podcast welcomes experts in a variety of fields to discuss topics that Van Ness is interested in. One of my favorite episodes was his interview with Alok Vaid-Menon, a gender non-conforming performance artist, educator, and writer.

He’s also covered everything from Yemen to immigration to how to write pop music, making the podcast a great place to start expanding your horizons.

It also teaches us that gaps in our knowledge don’t have to be weaknesses. Acknowledging our flaws and blindspots is key to becoming our most successful and authentic selves.

Welcome Everyone In

A welcoming heart and a friendly personality are clearly a must-have for anyone working on Queer Eye. After all, it’s a show about accepting yourself and embracing people for who they are. But Van Ness takes it to the next level.

Whether it’s giving a home to cats from a shelter or cutting a friend’s hair in his bathroom, Van Ness has time for it all. This is probably part of the reason for the success that his mini-series Gay of Thrones received.

In the show, Van Ness summarizes the latest episode of HBO’s Games of Thrones with a special guest. The episodes are funny, well-edited and flow naturally. A lot of this must be thanks to Van Ness’ skill as a host.

Furthermore, all of this seems effortless to him. There’s no sense that he’s performing or creating a public image to sell tour tickets or secure book releases. He seems fully aware of the joy and fulfillment you can get simply by listening to people and welcoming them into your life.

This goes far beyond not judging a book by its cover. Welcome people in, listen to their stories and share their experiences. You might be surprised how much you can learn.

Get Ready to Walk in His Footsteps

Over the Top, Book by JVNOr better still, carve your own path. Using these amazing lessons from Jonathan Van Ness, we all have the ability to make our own authentic way in the world.

Of course, I’ve also pre-ordered JVN’s upcoming book Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love, which is being released in just a few days on September 24, 2019!

If you grab it too, let me know in the comments below or message me on Instagram. For access to more inspiring posts remember to bookmark this blog.

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“As an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, real estate investor, former USA Rugby Player, and fitness fanatic, I’ll teach you what your parents and teachers should’ve taught you, but didn’t know themselves.” -Cade Hildreth

Want to know what I learned making my first few million? Subscribe here.

Or, listen to Cade’s articles on the go as a Podcast.

Because it’s the New Year, let’s talk about ch Because it’s the New Year, let’s talk about change...

For a long time, I’ve thought about top surgery. I remember when I was 6 or 7 years old when I wanted to run around outside on a hot, sunny day with my shirt off…and I first saw my parents… hesitate. Ughh. 

It wasn’t their fault but I still remember that heart wrenching feeling. To their credit, they ultimately said, “Ok, go do it!” While I did “do it”, I remember the feeling of shame that crept in.

Over the years, being in affirming sporting/rugby circles helped suppress the urge to get top surgery, but it never quite “stayed down.”

So last summer I got keyhole #topsurgery. I’ll talk about recovery in another post because it was definitely weird to not strength train for months.

But in THIS post, I want to share two things:

1. I am SO grateful to my wife Erin for being the supportive and growth oriented partner that she is. 🥰🙏❤️ 

She is now following her call to get a divinity degree and she’s already working in ministry as a Pastor in Training at an incredible, inclusive Presbyterian church here in Virginia. I am grateful to her for supporting me as I become more and more of who I am—and I’m enjoying watching her do the same! Love you, babe!

2. Second, I’m grateful to get to share who I am with my family. This summer we took a trip to Madden’s resort in MN to celebrate my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. (It was actually their 52nd, because we had to postpone it twice due to Covid.)

I was nervous to be in the pools and lakes around them, but I could feel it was my only choice because I knew I wanted them to “know me”. And, how could that happen if I “hid me”?

Ultimately, I have to tell you…it was freeing to be me, as I am, who I am. 

I had the BEST time splashing around and biking and goofing around with my wife, niece, nephew, & sister. 🌊🏖🐟

So, I suppose, this is a gratitude post to thank those who have supported me over the years as I become more and more of who I am. 

Top of that list is my wife, Erin, but there are countless others. ❤️

If you’re reading this, thank YOU for being one of those people in my life too. I am deeply grateful. 🥹
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#lgbtqfamily #nonbinary
How to set a boundary? 🤔 . . . . #lgbtqia #lgb How to set a boundary? 🤔 
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#lgbtqia #lgbtqcommunity #emotionalhealth
What do you do if you’re telling a past story ab What do you do if you’re telling a past story about someone who has transitioned? 🤔 Share a 💯 if you agree ➡️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈
7 things I got clarity on in 2022: 1. Good and b 7 things I got clarity on in 2022: 

1. Good and bad are labels. All things are experiences. 

2. Maturity is taking full responsibility for oneself. 

3. Having a loving, conscious relationship with myself is a core value. 

4. Emotions do not mean that anything has to be done. 

5. When I am in congruence with what I want, I have it. 

6. I have permission from myself to stop doing anything that doesn’t lead to my peace and empowerment. 

7. Stepping toward emotions and being able to feel them is a superpower. It determines the quality of my life. 

(Are there any above that you’d like me to further explain?)
 
Most importantly, which # above resonates with you? ⬆️

Happy New Year, y’all! 🎊🥳
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#lgbtqcommunity #lgbtqiaplus #lgbtsupport #nonbinary #trans #selfgrowth
Interview with Jenny Nguyen, Founder of the Sports Interview with Jenny Nguyen, Founder of the Sports Bra—The World's 1st Bar to Only Play Women's Sports - shorturl.at/doGHZ

I'm excited to introduce you to today's #podcast guest, Jenny Nguyen, who is a professional chef, elite athlete, and entrepreneur.

I invited Jenny onto the podcast because she has done something extraordinary that is long overdue: She has opened up a sports bar that exclusively plays women's sports!

Despite extensive research, Jenny hasn't found another sports bar worldwide that ONLY plays women’s sports.

Given that it's nearly 2023, this is mind-blowing. As a lifelong athlete, I find her vision compelling and inspiring.

Aptly called the "The Sports Bra", the venue is putting Jenny's culinary skills on display alongside women's sports worldwide.

The Sports Bar has taken its mission a even further by partnering with and elevating other local, women-owned businesses.

Specifically, it:

1. Sources its grass-fed beef from @CarmanRanch, an ranch run by Cory Carman, a third gen rancher out of Wallowa, Oregon).

2. Sources its alcohol from Freeland Spirits, an all-women owned and operated distillery out of NW Portland.

3. Has furniture built by @girlsbuild_org, a non-profit organization headed by @ktmhughes in Portland, OR, that teaches carpentry and construction skills to young girls as a path to empowerment.

Since opening the Sports Bra this April, people have come from ALL over the U.S. and the world to experience it—including many professional female athletes.

To learn more about Jenny as she makes history, features women's sports, and elevates women-run businesses, listen to the episode here:

shorturl.at/doGHZ

Or, you can check out the Sports Bra at:

@thesportsbrapdx
TheSportsBraPDX.com/

Have you heard of the Sports Bra or been out to experience it in person?

#lgbtqiaplus #womenownedbusiness #lgbgtqia #lgbtqcommunity #womenssports #womeninsport
Over this recent holiday stretch, we… - enjoye Over this recent holiday stretch, we… 

- enjoyed some quiet time at home
- got a sauna delivered (but not yet installed)
- decorated for the holidays
- baked a bunch
- visited our favorite farm
- did some sight seeing
- and perhaps, most importantly, survived the cold snap along with our feather friends (who lived in the garage for a few days so we could heat them with a space heater) 🥶🐔

How have the holidays treated you…and did you get hit by the winter storms? ❤️🎁☃️❄️
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