Whether or not you’ve been a fan of his on Queer Eye over the previous 9 years otherwise you’ve seen him in one among his many different media gigs (he most just lately hosted the Promoting Sundown reunion on Netflix), Tan France has lengthy been an advocate for illustration, each on the TV display and off. So, when Lilly, the pharmaceutical firm behind GLP-1 remedy Zepbound, requested him to entrance their new marketing campaign, Altering the Thread, which helps to “unthread the bias” related to weight problems, he was fast to say sure. Right here, the TV persona and vogue professional shares extra about his private expertise with weight problems, why the marketing campaign is vital and what’s subsequent in his life as his remaining chapter of Queer Eye involves an in depth.
What are you able to share about your private expertise with bias and stigma round weight problems?
“My whole life I’ve had experience with obesity in my family. When Lilly asked me to join this campaign, it’s because of the work I’ve done on Queer Eye, which is probably all they knew, however, my siblings have lived with obesity, and my extended family. There’s like 140 of us in one tiny town in England. So many of my family members have lived with obesity almost their entire lives, and I think that really helped the way I approach every one of our heroes on Queer Eye. I’ve always seen clothing as such a tool, and something that everyone deserves to enjoy without shame or apology. Living with siblings who have had to experience that made me an easy yes for me when Lilly asked me to join this campaign and really be an advocate for those people.”
How is the dialog round weight problems altering as GLP-1 medicines change into mainstream?
“There has been a big shift, and it’s something I’m really happy to see. I do think it’s time to reframe the conversation, especially with how we talk about obesity and replacing that bias and stigma with openness and understanding. Until recently, there hasn’t been understanding and people think ‘you chose this.’ The Changing the Thread movement makes it very clear that for people living with obesity, it wasn’t a choice, and there are options for them.”
Inform me extra concerning the Altering the Thread motion.
“We have a free exhibit in New York this Friday and Saturday where you will see pieces of clothing—it’s beautiful—from people who have lived with obesity. The clothing is embroidered with their real, untold stories of what they’ve experienced. Most of it is clothing that has helped them hide away, and we want people to come join this movement and feel like they don’t have to hide away. We want them to feel like they can express themselves.”
How does vogue play a job in somebody’s self-expression and progress all through their weight-loss journey?
“My sibling has told me that it’s so nice to not have to feel like the clothing their purchasing is meant to make sure no one can see them. They said it’s nice to be able to purchase things that just let them feel like I can express themselves. If that’s the greatest thing that this [GLP-1 weight loss] can achieve, then god I want my siblings to feel like I feel, which is not trying to hide. I’m proud of who I am; why wouldn’t I display myself? That’s important to me.
As far as I’m concerned, the trend should always be, first and foremost, self-expression. I do think we’ve seen more of that in the past five years, and I think it’s encouraged by social media to wear what feels right for you and your body. It’s never really been about trends for me; it what’s make you feels wonderful and beautiful. I come from a culture where our clothes are quite different, and half my life is spent not in Western clothes. Our version of what’s trendy is different from what’s trendy in the West. Trends come and go, and I would like for them to go more than they come.”
You’re closing the Queer Eye chapter of your life with the tenth and remaining season airing subsequent 12 months. What does that really feel like?
“It really is bittersweet. It’s bitter because it’s been my job for nine years, 10 seasons. It’s strange to think that this thing that’s been such a constant in my life, and changed my life, is no longer going to be. But it’s also sweet to think that there are so many months out of the year where I get to explore something else. I get to try something new, and that’s really exciting for me. I love what we’ve done on Queer Eye and I’m so proud of it, but I’m excited to see what’s next.”
And what’s subsequent for you?
“There are two things really. I run a production company called French Tuck Media where we make TV shows, and we start filming our first two next year. [France tells me he’ll be behind the scenes, not on camera.] I’m also really hoping to lean more into this space. The Changing the Thread campaign has really done something to me. It’s made me feel like I want to share more of these stories moving forward, and hopefully in the near future.”
