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AE: Did you make a conscious decision like the cast of Friends that it was all for one and one for all? And has it been hard sticking together?
JR: It was exactly like the Friends. Actually, the lawyer that did their contract represents Carson. So, we've always stuck together. Sometimes it sucks. If one person doesn't like something, they have to grin and bear it until the next battle.

I just did a concert in New York, and they all came. I didn't think they would. They're celebrities with their own careers. I look at them now as colleagues but colleagues who became famous. I saw them in the audience and said “I know them!” We define ourselves as family, not friends.

AE: Since the success of Queer Eye, Bravo has gone onto numerous gay friendly shows. Do you think they are so gay friendly because of the success of Queer Eye?
JR: Queer Eye made Bravo. If they don't recognize that, they're idiots. But I think their programming is fantastic. They know their audience. Project Runway has a huge gay following. And this new show Work Out. They endorse gay friendly things. And it's more accessible because it's not just a gay network. It's kind of a gay network but not so exclusive.

AE: What's the general reaction to you when someone meets you on the street?
JR: They always say “I'm sorry.” Like “I'm sorry, but are you Jai?” I think that's funny. I mostly get people who love the show. The gays especially come up. And the gay Latinos. They say “What you're doing for the Latin gay community is so important. We need role models like you.”

It's amazing, but I have to stay humble. They don't really know me. I'm just a normal human with a job that is televised. Here on Fire Island, all my housemates are built like superheroes. There's nothing more humbling than that. So when we all go out to the bar tonight, guess who will be back home sitting by the pool himself later on? I know I'm on a small cable reality show. I'm realistic where I stand in the scheme of things.

AE: Is the fact you identify as bisexual ever an issue for fans? Are you still bi?
JR: Hmmm… I consider myself gay because at the end of the night, that's who I want to cuddle with. But when I go out, I go to straight clubs. And occasionally in Page 6 they will report some lady fun I've had. But, I have no apologies.

Yes, I've had sex with a woman. Will I be straight? Never going to happen. I'm sure it's an issue for some gays, but it's who I am.

AE: Are you dating someone now? What do you look for in a guy?
JR: I wish. I don't know what I want. Someone to WOW ME! Someone worth being in a relationship with. Someone who is like minded and interested in the same things as I am. I haven't found that yet.

AE: Have you ever regretted some of your advice (fashion or other) from the show?
JR: I more regret stuff I've worn or let be done to my hair. I have 1,000 regrets. Sometimes they would tell me what to say. But eventually, I said I wasn't doing that anymore. I took more control.

AE: What's going on with your career aside from Queer Eye?
JR: I'm about to shoot a movie called One Month in Hell in San Francisco. It's about the porn industry. It's a thriller based on reality. And I'm doing one of either two shows in the fall. Big time stuff. I'm waiting to hear what happens.

AE: What do you think of Lance Bass coming out?
JR: Uh duh. I knew for years. I think he's been out and about forever. I've seen him at gay bars. I mean, he looks like a gay boy. He has the look in his eyes.

He said some things in the People article that got me pissed. That he doesn't want to be the poster boy or marching down sidewalks for gays. That's ignorant. First off, just because you are out doesn't make you the poster boy for gay community. But secondly, you are on the cover of People magazine for being gay. That's why you are there. Don't forget that. But they're things young gay guys say. He's a fantastic performer and person, and I bet he will end up being an advocate for the community.

AE: What do you think of his relationship with Reichen?
JR: Interesting. I know Reichen socially. He's a nice guy. I don't know Lance that well but he seems like a wonderful guy. I know Joey Fatone who loves the gays. And Justin is comfortable with the gays. There's no reason why Lance couldn't come out sooner. But I admire what he said about not wanting to affect the careers of his other band members. I get that.

AE: Some fun questions now. Which Sex and the City character would you be--Miranda, Samantha, Carrie, or Charlotte?
JR: In my personal life, I'm probably Charlotte. And on Desperate Housewives, I'd be the Eva Longoria character.

AE: Jake or Heath?
JR: Anne Hathaway. I don't think either of them are cute. If I saw them at a gay bar and didn't know they were famous, I wouldn't go “Oh my God, they're stunning”!

AE: Answer this one… If I met Mr. Right I would want/not want to get married?
JR: Get me a date first then we can discuss marriage.

AE: The most overrated part of being gay is...
JR: That you get to sleep around which is not true.

AE: On my boyfriend, I prefer boxers, briefs, or commando?
JR: Boxer briefs.

[Editor's Update, August 2, 2006: Although Jai was not misquoted here, a Bravo spokesperson contacted AfterElton to say that a whole new season of Queer Eye is slated for 2007, and that Queer Eye remains the core of their Tuesday night strategy.]

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