A self-deprecating groom works with the Fab 5 to learn how to fall in love with himself just days before his wedding day.
Life After Queer Eye
![The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/nelson-atkins-austin-walsh-800x400.png)
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.”
![Parlor, Sura Eats](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/parlor-sura_eats-web.jpg)
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](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/no_other_pub-web.jpg)
- 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.
![Rye](https://visitkcd8.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/inline-images/rye_4-web.jpg)
- 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.