Tan France, the British-American fashion designer and star of Queer Eye, has set clear boundaries when it comes to fan interactions. Speaking at Netflix’s Queer Eye Fab Five Live! Tour on February 20, the television personality revealed the one situation where he declines photos with fans: when he’s spending time with his children, Ismail, 3, and Isaac, 1.
France, known for his quick wit and warm demeanor, is generally happy to engage with fans, including posing for photos and offering hugs. However, he draws the line when his family is involved. “Every now and then, if you do see me out on the street and I’ve got my kids, I always say no [to photos], and I’m so sorry,” he told the audience. “If I’m on my own and you see me, I will give you a hug, I’ll ask you about everything in your f–king life. I can’t not talk.”
The Queer Eye star explained that he makes this exception to protect his family’s privacy, especially when it comes to his young children. France, who rarely shares photos of his children online, has established a rule for himself to politely decline photos when they are present. “I will always very politely say, ‘Unfortunately, this is my dad/son time today, and I don’t get much of that, so unfortunately it’s my day off,’” he shared with the crowd.
While Tan France is often open and approachable with fans, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining private moments with his children. His decision is also rooted in his desire to give his children a sense of normalcy, away from the spotlight of social media and public attention.
Jonathan Van Ness Reflects on His Own Fan Interactions
Tan France’s fellow Queer Eye star, Jonathan Van Ness, also shared his experiences with fan photos during the event. Van Ness admitted that he went through a phase where he would occasionally turn down selfies if he didn’t feel like it or if it was too early in the morning. However, he confessed that this approach didn’t last long.
“I went through a phase where I turned down selfies when I didn’t feel good or if it was really early in the morning and I just didn’t want to take a picture,” Van Ness explained. “But it only lasted two weeks because I felt so guilty for, like, days and days afterwards.”
Van Ness’ experience reflects the complexities that come with balancing personal boundaries and fan expectations. He further elaborated that he quickly realized it was easier to just take the photo than to deal with the guilt of declining.
“It’s easier for me to just, like, take the f–king picture than it is for me to feel guilty for five days afterwards,” he quipped. His humor and relatability came through as he shared the challenges of being a public figure who wants to maintain a connection with fans while also protecting their personal time.
A Humorous Anecdote from Jonathan Van Ness
Van Ness also recounted a memorable experience when he approached a famous person with the intention of being polite and playing it “cool.” However, the encounter took an unexpected turn when the famous individual bluntly told him, “Take the f–king picture.”
“It was so horrible,” Van Ness laughed, recalling the awkwardness of the moment. Despite the uncomfortable interaction, he found humor in the situation, especially as the celebrity in question is widely adored and considered to be an incredibly warm and friendly person.
Van Ness’ humorous take on the encounter reminded the audience that even well-known public figures can have moments of awkwardness, and that fan interactions are sometimes unpredictable.
Setting Boundaries in the Public Eye
Both France and Van Ness demonstrated that being a public figure comes with its own set of challenges, including navigating the demands of fans while also maintaining personal boundaries. For France, this means reserving time for his family without the pressure of posing for pictures. For Van Ness, it’s about finding a balance between engaging with fans and respecting his own emotional well-being.
While both Queer Eye stars acknowledge the joy and gratitude they feel for their supporters, they also make it clear that they are entitled to moments of privacy. Their openness about their personal boundaries serves as a reminder that celebrities, like anyone else, have the right to say no and prioritize their own needs and well-being.
As the Queer Eye stars continue to build their careers and public personas, it’s clear they are committed to striking a balance between engaging with fans and protecting their personal lives. Tan France’s approach to family privacy and Jonathan Van Ness’ humorous reflection on fan encounters both offer valuable insights into the realities of fame—and the importance of setting boundaries while still showing appreciation for fans.
For those hoping to snap a photo with Tan France, a little understanding goes a long way, especially if he’s enjoying quality time with his children. And for Jonathan Van Ness, the lesson is clear: while taking photos with fans is part of the job, it’s okay to prioritize your own comfort, too.
