15 major LGBTQIA+ moments in pop culture in 2018

Queer Eye season 1 episode 7 production still. Image: Courtesy of Netflix

Queer Eye

The last few years have been filled with remakes, reboots, and sequels, and not all of them have been completely appreciated. And when Netflix announced they were rebooting Queer Eye, people had their doubts. Was this really necessary in 2018? Turns out, yes it was.

Queer Eye premiered on Netflix in February and became everyone’s new favorite show. As it turned out, the new Fab Five, comprised of Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski, and Jonathan Van Ness, was even better than the originals. The first season took place in the Atlanta area, where the Fab Five took on a variety of men, both black and white, old and young, straight and gay. They showed so much compassion for the men they made over, even one who was a Trump supporter.

The first season was bringing viewers to tears, making them laugh, and introducing a whole new kind of slang thanks to Jonathan Van Ness himself. The wildly flamboyant grooming expert, Van Ness, has truly been the show’s breakout star thanks to his endless positivity and his dedication to staying true to himself — whether he’s making over a middle-aged southern man or rocking a dress and heels at the 2018 Creative Arts Emmys.

Season 1 was such a hit that season 2 was rushed out in June with eight more episodes and eight more touching makeovers. This time, their “heroes” included Mama Tammye, the first ever female makeover, and Skyler, the first trans male makeover. Tammye helped remind us all that even though there is so much hate out there, you can still be gay and Christian, because Jesus loves everyone. And Skyler welcomed the Fab Five (and audiences around the world) into his life for a momentous occasion: having his ID reflect his true gender.

TV was awfully queer this year, and that’s only just the beginning!