Jonathan Van Ness

A hairstylist by trade turned personality, writer, comedian, and entertainer by life, Jonathan Van Ness is seeking to celebrate authenticity and uniqueness within the beauty and entertainment industry. As an HIV+ nonbinary truth teller, Van Ness is determined to make this world a better, more equitable yet funnier place.

A natural storyteller, Van Ness first gained attention in 2013 with the hit web series “Gay of Thrones”, created while doing actress Erin Gibson’s hair. The Emmy-nominated series became a viral sensation on Funny or Die, showcasing their comedic charm and sharp recaps of “Game of Thrones”. In 2015, they launched the award-winning podcast “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness”, exploring a wide array of topics, from oceanography to the Olympics, with over 300 episodes to date. In 2023, they expanded their curiosity into the beauty world with “Pretty Curious”, a spin-off series interviewing industry experts and beauty icons.

Since 2018, Van Ness has been the beloved beauty and self-care expert on Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, which has won multiple Emmy Awards and will premiere its eighth season in 2024. They hosted and executive produced “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness”, a Netflix series based on their podcast, further cementing their influence in media. Van Ness’s memoir, “Over The Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love”, became a New York Times best-seller in 2019, earning widespread acclaim for its candid discussion of their HIV diagnosis and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Their second book, “Love That Story: Observations From A Gorgeously Queer Life”, released in 2022, also achieved bestseller status.

Van Ness is a celebrated author of children’s books, including “Peanut Goes for the Gold” and the upcoming “Gorgeously Me!”, which promote self-expression and individuality. In 2021, they launched JVN Hair, a sustainable, cruelty-free haircare line designed for all hair types, furthering their commitment to inclusivity. As a performer, Van Ness has headlined sold-out comedy tours across the globe, including “Road to Beijing” and “Imaginary Living Room Olympian”. Their latest show, “Fun & Slutty: A Night with Jonathan Van Ness”, continues to delight audiences with humor and heartfelt moments.

As one of the most visible nonbinary media figures, Van Ness uses their platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ and HIV awareness. They have worked with organizations like The Trevor Project, Planned Parenthood, and Equality Texas to combat anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and reduce stigma. In 2023, they made history as the first nonbinary recipient of GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, solidifying their legacy as a tireless advocate for social justice, trans lives, and elevating queer voices.