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.

Jai, the baby of the group at twenty-six, was next. I asked him how it felt to be so young and be building bridges between the gay and straight communities. "I wish I would have started earlier making a difference" was his response. He’s even cuter in person, if that is possible; apparently little angels do answer. He went on to tell me that although he would be happy to continue with Queer Eye, his life is also filled with other projects! He will be appearing on Broadway this year, in the smash hit, award winning "The Producers." Jai, believe me, I will be there to see you!

I had heard that the design doctor of the group, Thom Filicia, was a little shy. Well he couldn't have been more engaging with me, answering anything I had to ask of him. He said, that although Queer eye is helping communities mingle, it wasn't the original intent. "We started out as a makeover show. What happened after that was totally organic." Thom, by the way, has been voted as one of America’s top one hundred interior designers, and lives in, what is rumored to be a castle like home in New York. Thom said, "I am very proud of the product that we create, with the talent, the producers, and all the people involved. As long as we mature and keep current and topical, Queer Eye will be around a few more years." I think you are right Thom.

Ted, the clean cut, quasi-conservative type on the show, was sporting a scruffy beard and very hip clothes. I had to tell him, he was very hot in person, something I didn’t expect quite frankly. He said, "I'm firing my make up person!" Ted of course, is the food expert. I told him I was a chef too and we immediately clicked. He is, by degree a journalist turned food expert. We spent the longest time together, more than twenty minutes. He is happily partnered for 12 years, and was happy to tell me so. He told me the funniest story. He said, "I didn’t come out to my parents until I began the show. They are ultra conservative and were horrified at first. "I was shocked, as this is a huge way to come out by any measure! Ted said, "Now they are ok with it. They love the show and are proud. “ Ted has a new book coming out, and will be doing a tour of it soon. I will be there to tell all of you about it. By the way, Ted worries about the crystal Meth use amongst young gays and says, "It just isn't hip to do this drug. Who wants to look so sickly, and to smell so bad, and to feel so bad about yourself!" He hopes young gays will realize their full potential and not slip into the empty life of addiction. Ted is a true gentleman, funny, clever smart and HANDSOME.

Kyan, "the cute one," was my last interview. I didn’t know what to expect, so I hoped for the best. Well, the best is what you get with Kyan. Describing this man as cute is simply a disservice to him. His good looks are apparent, and when I ask him about that he says, "Jimmy, I so, was not the cute one when I was little. This is all new stuff for me. So I’ll take it and be proud of it." I never bring up politics with celebrities, and surely Kyan, the style guru wasn't one I thought would be interested in them anyway. Again, this man surprises me. Kyan asks me, "What is up with the Governor?" I grabbed this and ran with it. I asked him what he thought, since he brought it up, and he said, "You know, so seldom in time, can someone become legendary because of his or her choice or decision. Mr. Schwarzenegger has this opportunity and is simply missing the boat." Kyan, truer words couldn't be said. Kyan wants to tell the youth of our community something his grandmother told him as a kid. "To thine own self be true." Kyan you must have made her proud!

When all was over, I went to the men's room, and to my horror noticed a single stray nose hair that I missed while trimming. Kyan has a cardinal rule about this. Nose hair is never acceptable. I yanked it out immediately and made my exit. Kyan, I hope it was dark enough in the club that you didn’t notice it. Nuff said, Time Out.