Interview with the Fab Five
By Jimmy Palmieri

When Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, was being promoted in the press several years ago, being an activist, I quivered. I thought to myself, what kind of stereotypical schlock are we going to have to endure and take up a cause against now? Well I have been eating healthy doses of crow ever since.

I had the privilege to be invited to the Queer Eye Emmy nomination party at Icandy Lounge this past Saturday. This is a new lounge/restaurant located on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. It is the establishment that is featured in one of Logo's hottest shows called "Open Bar." Its owner Tyler, known for being a hunk, is indeed that, but so kind and sweet I wanted to squeeze his cheek. He took me over to a very dramatically comfortable booth and we spoke for about 20 minutes. Tyler didn't come out as gay until he was in his mid thirties. I asked him if he had dalliances and he said, "Let's just say I had no affairs of the heart." Nuff said, Tyler.

He "came out" in a big way. From working in the family business of making wheelchairs, to opening West Hollywood’s newest hotspot. Drop in there. I know you will love it. Ask for Rex or Bambi at the bar. Tell them Jimmy sent you.

It was about eight thirty, and I was waiting for the Fab Five to show up for their own party. I know it is chic to be late, but I kept hearing that club would be open to the general public in less than half an hour. I didn’t think they would want to be there when that happened.

You see readers this, is again where I was wrong. I am the first to point out Diva behavior. These five guys are such gentlemen and so not on the star trip that I had to kiss each and every one of them twice. They not only didn’t mind being there when the public showed up, they seemed to relish it.

Carson, the slender, tanned, blonde of the group, walked in and owned the room. He didn’t take up space, he was the space. He is comical, poised and elegant. I went over to him and asked if he would say a few words. "Of course," was his response. He went on to tell me that winning an Emmy and being nominated again is beyond his wildest dreams. He said although he believes any thing is possible in this world, he didn't even dream of this happening. Carson defined his own security by saying "I was always called the big dreamer. I knew what I wanted and would do anything to get it. And if I failed I just tried again." Well Carson it is we who are lucky that you kept trying and made it. You are a prime example of believing in yourself, and succeeding. A lesson for all gays and lesbians to follow. A double cheek kiss and hug to you Carson.
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