Queer Eye’s Tan France Joins GLP-1 Campaign to Help Reduce Obesity Bias

Whether you’ve been a fan of his on Queer Eye over the past nine years or you’ve seen him in one of his many other media gigs (he most recently hosted the Selling Sunset reunion on Netflix), Tan France has long been an advocate for representation, both on the TV screen and off. So, when Lilly, the pharmaceutical company behind GLP-1 medication Zepbound, asked him to front their new campaign, Changing the Thread, which is helping to “unthread the bias” associated with obesity, he was quick to say yes. Here, the TV personality and fashion expert shares more about his personal experience with obesity, why the campaign is important and what’s next in his life as his final chapter of Queer Eye comes to a close.

What can you share about your personal experience with bias and stigma around obesity?

“My whole life I’ve had experience with obesity in my family. When Lilly asked me to join this campaign, it’s because of the work I’ve done on Queer Eye, which is probably all they knew, however, my siblings have lived with obesity, and my extended family. There’s like 140 of us in one tiny town in England. So many of my family members have lived with obesity almost their entire lives, and I think that really helped the way I approach every one of our heroes on Queer Eye. I’ve always seen clothing as such a tool, and something that everyone deserves to enjoy without shame or apology. Living with siblings who have had to experience that made me an easy yes for me when Lilly asked me to join this campaign and really be an advocate for those people.”

How is the conversation around obesity changing as GLP-1 medications become mainstream?

“There has been a big shift, and it’s something I’m really happy to see. I do think it’s time to reframe the conversation, especially with how we talk about obesity and replacing that bias and stigma with openness and understanding. Until recently, there hasn’t been understanding and people think ‘you chose this.’ The Changing the Thread movement makes it very clear that for people living with obesity, it wasn’t a choice, and there are options for them.”

Tell me more about the Changing the Thread movement.

“We have a free exhibit in New York this Friday and Saturday where you will see pieces of clothing—it’s beautiful—from people who have lived with obesity. The clothing is embroidered with their real, untold stories of what they’ve experienced. Most of it is clothing that has helped them hide away, and we want people to come join this movement and feel like they don’t have to hide away. We want them to feel like they can express themselves.”

How does fashion play a role in someone’s self-expression and progress throughout their weight-loss journey?

“My sibling has told me that it’s so nice to not have to feel like the clothing their purchasing is meant to make sure no one can see them. They said it’s nice to be able to purchase things that just let them feel like I can express themselves. If that’s the greatest thing that this [GLP-1 weight loss] can achieve, then god I want my siblings to feel like I feel, which is not trying to hide. I’m proud of who I am; why wouldn’t I display myself? That’s important to me.

As far as I’m concerned, the trend should always be, first and foremost, self-expression. I do think we’ve seen more of that in the past five years, and I think it’s encouraged by social media to wear what feels right for you and your body. It’s never really been about trends for me; it what’s make you feels wonderful and beautiful. I come from a culture where our clothes are quite different, and half my life is spent not in Western clothes. Our version of what’s trendy is different from what’s trendy in the West. Trends come and go, and I would like for them to go more than they come.”

You’re closing the Queer Eye chapter of your life with the 10th and final season airing next year. What does that feel like?

“It really is bittersweet. It’s bitter because it’s been my job for nine years, 10 seasons. It’s strange to think that this thing that’s been such a constant in my life, and changed my life, is no longer going to be. But it’s also sweet to think that there are so many months out of the year where I get to explore something else. I get to try something new, and that’s really exciting for me. I love what we’ve done on Queer Eye and I’m so proud of it, but I’m excited to see what’s next.”

And what is next for you?

“There are two things really. I run a production company called French Tuck Media where we make TV shows, and we start filming our first two next year. [France tells me he’ll be behind the scenes, not on camera.] I’m also really hoping to lean more into this space. The Changing the Thread campaign has really done something to me. It’s made me feel like I want to share more of these stories moving forward, and hopefully in the near future.”