Tan France, beloved star from “Queer Eye,” opens up about his decision to leave the UK for America, confronting the persistent racism he faced due to his Pakistani roots.
Despite achieving fame through his role on “Queer Eye,” Tan France reveals that his celebrity status couldn’t shield him from the racial prejudice he encountered in the UK. He often felt treated as a “second-class citizen,” an experience he candidly shared during the Sundance Film Festival’s Sunrise Collective panel.
Tan, who now resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his American husband, Rob France, reflected on his past in Manchester, North West England. He recounted a particularly hurtful experience where, during a visit to his mother, he decided to take a nostalgic bus ride. Unfortunately, this trip turned sour when he was met with the same derogatory term, “Paki,” reminding him of the racism he hoped his fame would help dissipate.
He explained that he hoped his success in America would translate to a change in how he was perceived in England, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. France expressed disappointment through a video clip, highlighting just how deeply these experiences had affected him.
Despite the negativity he faced from a vocal minority, Tan is quick to point out that most Brits are kind-hearted. He remains proud of his heritage, even as he embraces new opportunities like his role in Hulu’s upcoming South Asian comedy, “Deli Boys.”
Ultimately, Tan France’s story is a reminder of the challenges many still face, regardless of fame. Moving to the USA has provided him a sense of freedom from the racial injustices he couldn’t escape in the UK.
