Life After Queer Eye

Even in the most faithfully filmed reality show, the onscreen product rarely captures the entirety of the subject’s story, what they feel and how they grow. Just ask Robert Hitchcock, a hero in Queer Eye’s third season.

“My filming experience was really a transformative one,” he says. “What you see in the episode was only half of the raw emotion I felt and displayed. So, to say I only had fun would really take away from everything I went through.”

One of the biggest lessons Hitchcock learned from his time with the Fab 5—and one that is clearly illustrated throughout his episode—is just how potent a negative outlook can be.

“My self-depreciating was just as harmful to others as it was to myself,” he says. “I have completely removed it from my life.”

Hitchcock says that this simple adjustment led to a profound change in his outlook. But he didn’t just rediscover loving himself, he rediscovered loving his city, too.

“I relearned Missouri kindness,” he says. “The few people [who] have approached me in public have treated me almost like family. That's something I remember feeling growing up, [it’s] lost sometimes in bigger cities.”

As for his current favorites in KC, Hitchcock lists The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, some fountain exploring and a trip to Sura Eats at Parlor in the Crossroads Arts District. Still, his favorite place to end up reflects how far he’s come from the self-deprecating person he once was.

“The best barbecue in town is the barbecue you make for friends and family,” Hitchcock says.

Never has there been a more Kansas City answer.

Ways to Experience this Episode

• No Other Pub: Watch parties and after-hours fun get top billing in this Power & Light District hangout.  
• Town Center Plaza: One of the area’s premier shopping centers features nationally known retail brands, such as Bonobos, which is featured in the episode.

• Hilton President Kansas City: The site of the happy couple’s wedding day is a cherished boutique property in Downtown KC.
• Rye: James Beard Award-honored chefs take on Midwest comfort classics with an elevated approach for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner on the Country Club Plaza.

Also Featured in this Episode

• Orangetheory: Gain points by keeping your heartrate up at this exciting, challenging workout studio with locations around the country.
• Dance Fit Flow: Workout classes with an emphasis on dance, yoga and other techniques to stay fit while moving your body.