Jeremiah Brent Reflects on Transformative ‘Queer Eye’ Journey: “I Am Not the Same Person I Was When I Started”

Jeremiah Brent, the acclaimed interior designer known for his empathetic approach and sophisticated style, joined the “Queer Eye” cast for its ninth season, stepping into the role previously held by Bobby Berk. Brent’s arrival was met with anticipation and excitement, both from longtime fans of the show and from within the LGBTQ+ community, eager to see how he would bring his unique perspective to the Emmy Award-winning series .

In conversations reflecting on his first season, Brent shared that the experience has been nothing short of life-changing. “I am not the same person I was when I started,” Brent said, referencing the personal and emotional impact of the journey . “Queer Eye has given me an opportunity to tap into the community and have the conversations I’ve always wanted to have. To fight and advocate for kindness, empathy, and awareness.”

For Brent, who spent two decades of his early life closeted, visibility and advocacy have become central themes. He often speaks candidly about his journey from internalized uncertainty to living openly with his husband, Nate Berkus, and their two children. “I was desperately unaware that queer folk could ever start a family,” Brent admits, highlighting how he hopes his visibility on “Queer Eye” can inspire young LGBTQ+ people who may feel isolated or without hope for a future that includes love and family .

Brent’s approach to design on the show goes beyond aesthetics; he centers each client’s emotional journey, aiming to create spaces that reflect their authentic selves. “My process begins by developing an in-depth familiarity with my clients’ emotional lives and personal journeys, integrating the nuances of their stories into my design choices,” he explained in a recent interview .

Brent’s presence on “Queer Eye” is especially significant at a time when LGBTQ+ rights and visibility are facing both progress and backlash in the United States and globally. He recognizes the responsibility that comes with his role, stating, “I’m committed to doing things that are queer forward and queer positive, giving people access and understanding, advocating for the marginalized and making sure that people understand that we as a community aren’t going anywhere. We deserve just as much love as everybody else” .

Brent’s family life with Berkus and their children is also a powerful testament to the possibilities open to LGBTQ+ people. “What it represented was us being able to show a family like ours to the world that maybe they didn’t have access to, and it was really important and I’m really proud of it,” Brent said about their visibility on screen .

Brent is quick to emphasize how authentic the “Queer Eye” experience is for everyone involved. “I don’t think people realize how real Queer Eye is. I’ve worked on a lot of reality television… Queer Eye is different. I sat there every week watching people walk into new versions of themselves. It’s an interesting thing when you see somebody the way they want to be seen and then you watch them change the way they see themselves,” he reflected .

As the Fab 5 continue to bring their expertise and warmth to communities across the country, Brent’s addition to the team marks a continued evolution for the show. His commitment to highlighting the importance of family, acceptance, and advocacy resonates deeply with audiences—both within and outside the LGBTQ+ community.

With the latest season now streaming, Brent remains focused on using his platform for positive change. “The world’s changed in some really great ways, and it’s still changing in some really difficult ways,” he observed. “But I want to keep doing the work, keep advocating, and keep showing what’s possible” .

As Brent continues to evolve—both personally and professionally—his journey on “Queer Eye” stands as a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and hope.