METAIRIE, LOUISIANA: The new season of Netflix's 'Queer Eye' premiered on May 12, with seven New Orleans-shot episodes concentrating on locals who get a makeover from the Fab Five. In Episode 2, we meet Stephanie Williams, who "gets vulnerable in front of cameras as she discusses her journey as a queer woman", according to WGNO.
Stephanie, a Cox employee, appeared on the Netflix show 'Queer Eye' this spring with a new pair of lenses. Stephanie, known for her passion for giving back, became emotional in front of cameras as she shared her journey as a gay woman. Stephanie's makeover included a new overdo and a remodeled house but viewers also got to glimpse her soul. Despite adversity along the way, Stephanie has always advocated for inclusion and acceptance via her actions. She was chosen 2020 Saints Fan of the Year as a result of her efforts, which served as a testament to her dedication to the community and ultimately prompted scouts from 'Queer Eyes' to uncover her.
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Who nominated Stephanie on 'Queer Eye'?
Rae (Rachel) Lynn McCain, Stephanie's long-term partner, nominated her. She nominated Stephanie after she witnessed Stephanie deteriorate into a shell of her former, confident self. When she first met Stephanie, she was always dressed attractive, confident, and joyful. But the confident Stephanie she met six years ago seemed to have vanished. Being gay in the South has taken a toll on Stephanie. Before meeting the Fab Five, she was carrying around embarrassments, worries, and insecurities that were preventing her from living her life to the fullest. There was an incident in the past where she was subjected to mean and rude homophobic remarks in a public setting while she was with her partner.
They wanted Fab Five to work their magic when they eventually moved into their first house as an opportunity for a fresh start. Since living with Stephanie's father, they had never entertained as a couple. The couple intended to give a housewarming celebration for relatives and friends at the end of the week in their new home. Stephanie, Rachel hoped, would be as proud of herself as she is of being a Saints fan.
What did the Fab Five do for Stephanie?
Tan France believes Stephanie is very conscious of how she identifies as a queer woman, which proved to be a stumbling barrier. Stephanie, he believed, was embarrassed by her homosexuality. Stephanie corrected him, stating she isn't fearful but felt like she is a nuisance to others, so she dialed back a lot. Tan assisted her in becoming a version of herself that she was proud of and confident enough to be in public. Tan just polished the best of Stephanie and "did not change her." He took her to Billy Reid, where a very little push from Tan made Stephanie feel proud to look at herself again.
Antoni Porowski's task was to get Stephanie veggie-ready. He took her to the kitchen and showed her how to make a delicious salad. Antoni admitted in his confessional that until Stephanie, he had never met a grown adult, a homeowner, in a committed relationship, who is terrified of vegetables. He taught her to be a bit daring and try new things. Stephanie has been with Rae for six years, but now she is aiming for 60, which means making veggies part of her diet was vital. As Stephanie recoiled from a small piece of cucumber, Antoni made sure to prepare a salad that she wouldn't be able to stop eating the next minute. Antoni also helped Stephanie, a fellow LGBTQ member, understand how important it was not to hide a big part of herself in the mask of a sports fan.
Stephanie, according to Bobby Berk, never gave home much of a thought, especially "a shared home for them as a couple." Bobby made certain that their first house was not just a crash pad full of sports memorabilia. Bobby told Stephanie that sports memorabilia is actually really cool when it's displayed properly and not just stacked to the ceiling. He suggested she could move things around to achieve a newer look for the room. Bobby made sure there were pictures of Stephanie and Rae all around, something that the couple couldn't do at her father's house. Bobby darkened the bedroom ceiling due to its height and added some stunning side tables. Tan claims it was Bobby's greatest bedroom renovation. Stephanie considers this to be the greatest blessing of her life.
Karamo Brown took Stephanie to a bar after learning how she was subjected to hate as a queer woman in a bar. Stephanie said it wasn't the only moment, but there were reaffirmations that happened to her daily. She mentioned the time when they put the Fan of the Year announcement on social media, there were a lot of negative things on the thread. Karamo helped her fight her internalized homophobia. He made her reach out to her younger brother, who is also from the community, and open up and seek support. Karamo realized that Stephanie needed to realize that there were people and a community that was there to support her. They all went to a pub where the remainder of the Fab Five and their respective partners, as well as Rae, were there. Stephanie needed to be surrounded by more individuals from her community, according to the cast of 'Queer Eye'.
Jonathan Van Ness took Stephanie to Bandit Hair Company, a queer-owned establishment. Jonathan wanted Stephanie to go shorter on the hair and blonde! He felt this could be an empowering exercise to explore a different side of Stephanie. Also, he felt this was the time for Stephanie to become more like Ariana Grande and break free! It was hard for Stephanie, as she couldn't picture herself. Jonathan knew Stephanie had a lot more courage than she realized, so he had to throw a curveball. And with a little bleach and tone and a rainbow makeover, Jonathan admits to having reached arguably one of his "biggest makeovers in 'Queer' Eye' history. This is f***ing major!" He was proud of Stephanie to take this leap and embracing a huge change! Stephanie admits that it's been years since she has looked into her own eyes.
Stephanie startled everyone, particularly her partner, by dropping on one knee in front of her whole family at the housewarming celebration. Rae couldn't have waited another second to say yes, as the 'Queer Eye' cast yelled while watching it on TV.
Where is Stephanie now?
Stephanie is still a blonde, a Saints fan, and is still engaged to Rae, according to their social media activity in May 2023. The couple has yet to tie the knot, but given that they have now moved into their first house, it shouldn't be long. Stephanie and Rae now live in New Orleans. Rae is a registered nurse at University Medical Center, New Orleans, while Stephanie now works on the Cox Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Council at her job.
Season 7 of 'Queer Eye' is currently streaming on Netflix.
