Queer Eye is hear to stay, y’all. The Netflix show is wowing audiences around the world. So much so, that it was picked up for a second season — cheers to that. *clink*

Fan favorite, culture expert Karamo Brown, is not new to reality television. In fact, it feels like he was born to be a trailblazer. Having gotten his start early on MTV’s The Real World: Philadelphia, he became the first gay black man to come out on reality TV. Now that’s something to be proud of!

The following years would lead him to be a host on HLN’s Dr. Drew on Call and YouTube’s news show The Young Turks, as well as a host and producer of HuffPost Live. Now, the star can be seen helping those in need of self-love and care on Queer Eye, and he’s doing a hell of a good job.

This season brought the Fab Five (food and wine expert, Antoni Porowski; fashion expert Tan France; design expert, Bobby Berk; grooming expert, Jonathan Van Ness; and Karamo of course) to Atlanta, Georgia, where, let’s face it, it could be hit or miss for a group of gay guys looking to redesign some lives. But the show is much more than fashion and design.

While the Fab Five inspires their clients to live their best lives, they’re also educating viewers around the world about tolerance and acceptance, showing us the value of human connection. Hollywood Holler sat down with Karamo to dish on his views. Here’s what he had to say:

Taking Queer Eye to Atlanta has welcomed a new conversation, socially. What was that experience like for you?

It has been an eye opening experience for everyone involved. We spent a summer helping people that many perceive are different from us as five gay men, and showed the world that we are more alike then we are different.

The show is absolutely massive! Have you gotten any response from LGBTQI viewers from around the world? 

The response from the LGBTQI community around the world has been overwhelmingly positive. We were nervous of what the community would think of us. Luckily they are appreciating the work we are doing.

Tell us a little about your coming out story.

I came out at 15. I began telling a friend here and a friend there. By the time I was 18, everyone in my personal and professional life new. There were moments when I was scared and felt alone, but I just continued to find people who I knew loved me unconditionally and surrounded myself with them.

That’s amazing. I’m sure coming out on reality TV [The Real World] was pretty overwhelming. 

After The Real World, the response I got was very positive. LGBT people of color sent me thousands of messages telling me how much my image meant to them. It made me realize I had a responsibility to make sure my community always felt represented.

Your kids must be so proud.

My sons (biological son Jason, 21, and adopted son, Chris, 18) love the show, but don’t think about it. They think its weird their dad works in TV. So they just pretend like I have a regular 9 to 5 just like their friends’ parents.

Talking about one’s sexuality has never been easy in black and Latino cultures. Do you think this show, especially now that it’s in Atlanta, is helping bridge the gap in having those conversations? 

I do believe that as time passes, certain negative cultural norms that were adapted by communities of colors begin to dissipate. I think those conversations are getting easier to have. I also believe the more we see ourselves positively depicted in the media, we are able to find courage to have those conversations and demand respect.

Why do you think audiences are registering with Queer Eye so heavily? 

There is an emotional level that touches on personal, yet universal, topics that everyone can relate to. At the end of the day we all have the same fear, hopes, and dreams for ourselves and our families. We are taping into that.

Any advice for people who are looking to find their own niche in the world? 

Make a plan, do that plan, and ask for a lot of help along the way.