As June rolled in with its usual heatwave, I was reminded that Pride Month always stirs up something deep in my chest: a mix of warmth, frustration, and hope. Living in a country where celebrating diversity often feels more like an act of rebellion than a public joy, I often find myself wishing even more safe, colorful, love-filled spaces. The kind where being yourself — whatever that means — isn't political, just… life.

This year, I felt the pull to create something special — a small tribute, a flag woven from resistance, celebration, and stories that matter. As a LEGO-loving artist and photographer, of course I turned to bricks! I looked around, and the Queer Eye — Fab 5 Loft LEGO set from 2021 basically waved at me from Bricklink's site with a big "Perfect!" sign. What could capture the spirit of kindness, empathy, fabulous style, and a full-on celebration of being you better than this set?

I built it while rewatching some of my favorite episodes of the show, and by the time I clicked the last cute plastic houseplant into place, I was full of that glow I'd been searching for. I realized this isn't just a fun diorama of a stylish loft, it's a love letter to self-acceptance, to community, and to those who lift others up instead of tearing them down. And I loved every bit of it. :)

More than a makeover: a show that rebuilds from the inside out

There's something heartwarmingly beautiful about watching strangers say to one another, "You're worthy, and you're enough!" — especially when you realize how rarely we get to hear those words in real life. So where can we actually witness that kind of soul-hugging power on purpose? I know one place for sure: Netflix, with the wonderful humans of Queer Eye!

I've been a huge fan of the show since it debuted in 2018, but if it's new to you, don't worry, there's always time to catch up. :) Queer Eye is technically a reality show, but don't let that fool you. While many reality series focus on cake disasters, high-stress cooking, finding love under suspiciously dramatic circumstances on a tropical island, or just being loud for the sake of it — Queer Eye turns that script completely on its head. It celebrates the best in us, not the messiest.

Each episode introduces a new Hero — a real person with a real story, often carrying years of self-doubt, exhaustion, or grief. The Fab 5 spend a week with them, not to "fix" them, but to help them see their own worth again. Each of the team brings their own kind of magic: Tan guides them through style and self-expression, Antoni nourishes body and soul in the kitchen, Karamo opens up space for emotional growth and confidence, Bobby, and later Jeremiah redesigns their physical space, and Jonathan reminds them — and us — that self-care is not selfish, it's essential. But the transformation doesn't start with clothes or a new couch, it starts from within. And it's handled with such gentleness that it feels almost radical in today's world.

In the end, the biggest change isn't the new haircut or the freshly painted walls, but it's a single sentence, a happy hug, and a tear that finally gets to fall without anybody judging. And yes, sometimes they're our tears in front of the screen, but it's fine, too. :)

The original series aired on Bravo in the early 2000s, the Netflix reboot now has nine seasons, and my love for the Fab 5 has only grown stronger over time. Their support, acceptance and encouragement is so special. And one of the greatest strength is that the show is celebrated for its strong representation amongst multicultural and the LGBTQ+ community. The inclusivity, and the respect for all of their Heroes is amazing! The Fab Five not only challenge outdated ideas of what masculinity or femininity should look like — rigid boxes that don't truly fit anyone — but also remain open to expanding their own views along the way. That kind of humility and openness is priceless!

And the contrast between this world and the one I often find myself in — especially here in Hungary — can feel stark. While I'm lucky to have wonderful, open-minded friends, it's hard not to wish for a world where this kind of encouragement was more of the norm. Especially in a year where Pride events have been banned by the government, watching Queer Eye feels like hope beamed directly into my living room.

Welcome to the Loft: kindness lives here, and avocado toast

Since it's a retired set, I couldn't just stroll into a LEGO store and grab it off the shelf. I had to get a bit creative. I found a seller on Bricklink who had an unopened box, and the moment it arrived — with the Fab 5 and their adorable LEGO mini versions printed right on the packaging — I knew: this isn't just a LEGO loft. It's a celebration of personality, inclusion, and playful design. From the very first numbered bag, it's clear this set was designed with heart.

If you're not familiar with the Fab 5, the instruction manual does a great job introducing both the show and the characters. And the quotes shown throughout the booklet? Pure delight. It genuinely felt like the Fab 5 were right there cheering me on. The whole build is filled with thoughtful touches: from Bruley the french bulldog, the espresso machine to the printed stovetop tiles and, of course, Antoni's iconic avocado toast. Every corner feels lovingly designed.

While the build itself isn't technically demanding — it's a breezy, half-open loft with lots of white and grey masonry-patterned bricks — it's perfect for a cozy evening or a fun project with kids. I actually built it with my four-and-a-half-year-old, who had a blast playing with all the clever functions and ideas hidden throughout the set.

The loft's design is sleek and modern: there's a salon corner for Jonathan, complete with a swivel chair, mirror, and some satchel bags. Tucked just behind it there's Tan's stylish nook, featuring a selection of clothes — trousers and hanging torsos for outfit changes — plus an accessories area with hairpieces and a pink handbag. There's even a "makeover wardrobe" for giving guests a full glam moment! This is where Kathi Dooley — our makeover hero from Season 4, who also happens to be Jonathan's old music teacher — steps in. Spin a little gear, and voilà! Her mullet is gone, and she's rocking a brand-new look. It's a bit fiddly to position her just right, but the rotating effect is a cute touch.

The kitchen is all bold black counters, gorgeous windows, and a fridge that actually opens to reveal oat milk and orange juice inside. There's even a cheerful "Yaaas Queen" print on the wall. :) And when it's time to peek inside, the living room set — with its iconic couch and giant TV featuring a sticker of the Fab 5 in minifig form — simply lifts out. So smart!

Other parts of the loft shine, too. Next to the living room there is another section with the "Style Taste Class" neon sign, a display cabinet, and a giant houseplant. The furniture uses parts in surprisingly chic ways — little design choices that feel genuinely fresh. Sure, there are a few tiny nitpicks (the coffee table isn't fixed in place, and there are a fair few stickers), but even those are clever, funny, and totally worth the effort.

I built the whole thing in a couple of hours, but what stayed with me wasn't just the look — it was the feeling.

This set makes a quiet but powerful statement: a celebration of identity, self-expression, and kindness. Not every set needs to be for everyone, but LEGO should absolutely be a space for everyone.

Tiny figures, big feelings

Like the TV show, the minifigs are truly the stars — they give the set so much heart. There are seven in total, including two versions of Kathi Dooley, and they're my favorite part of the whole build. I'm absolutely adding them to a one-by-one portrait series with digital backgrounds! I also love how customizable they are — so many hairpieces, outfits, and tiny accessories to mix and match. You'll find three alternate torsos on Tan's clothing rack as well, one each for Karamo, Jonathan, and Antoni, which you can mix and match however you like. And if you've seen the show even once, you'll immediately recognize how perfectly these minifigs capture them, both in appearance and personality!

• Tan France: His signature silver style is brought to life with a custom hairpiece that's instantly recognizable and stylishly LEGO-fied. His expression is calm, confident, and fabulous, so very Tan. His torso features a muted, fashion-forward shirt that could've come straight from one of his real-life collections.
• Antoni Porowski: His minifig is just as charming as the man himself. With slightly tousled dark brown hair and a cozy printed turtleneck-and-scarf combo, he looks ready to explain the emotional complexity of guacamole. His soft smile adds warmth to the lineup, and his spare outfit is a spot-on blend of everyday, approachable style.
• Karamo Brown: He brings grounded elegance to the set. His bomber jacket features detailed arm printing — a rare treat in LEGO. The beard and bald head combo give him a strong silhouette, and the whole vibe is confident, and full of heart.

• Bobby Berk: The printed leaf-pattern shirt on his minifigure and cheerful expression give off can-do energy, perfect for the group's hands-on creative. And let's not forget, Bobby helped design this very LEGO set, just as he designed the real-life Atlanta loft it's based on!
• Jonathan Van Ness: JVN's minifig is an absolute gem. With three interchangeable hairstyles — a stylish top bun, flowing locks, and a sleek pulled-back look — they are pure minifig royalty. The dual-molded legs even resemble heels (yes, heels!), which is both rare and glorious. Jonathan's expression is fierce and joyful, their outfit sparkles — a pure representation of gender fluidity and joyful self-expression.
• Kathi Dooley: She's not just a makeover guest, but she's a whole journey. And the set honors that with two complete figures: one before her transformation, and one after. Pre-makeover Kathi comes with simple hair and muted clothes, while post-makeover Kathi rocks a trendy bob and fresh new outfit. You can rotate her using the transformation chamber for a perfect little storytelling moment!
• +1 Jeremiah Brent (and my custom version): Even though Bobby isn't part of Season 9, the design love lives on, and welcomes Jeremiah, the new Fab 5 member. Since LEGO hasn't released an official figure of him (yet!), I made my own. Naturally, he wears soft, elegant neutrals, a neat hairstyle, and a warm, expressive face. He fits in seamlessly with the rest of the crew and reflects the heart and mission of the show. Jeremiah may be new, but he brings the same level of taste, thoughtfulness, and care, so of course he deserves a spot in the minifig lineup.

This cast of characters is a gorgeous celebration of identity, creativity, and kindness. From their standout hairpieces to special prints, they invite everybody to build and play with heart — and to proudly say "Yaaas Queen!" while doing it. :)

A celebration in bricks

Sometimes I'm a bit critical about LEGO sets, and sometimes they inspire me to get to know myself better — or to appreciate friendship even more. I'm happy to say this one was much more than just a collection of bricks for me: it's a miniature love letter to self-expression, and to the revolutionary power of kindness and love. And the heart of it all? These joyful minifigs — capturing not just seven people, but seven ways of being more fearlessly human.

Sure, I know, it's a show. It's polished, edited, partially staged… but that doesn't mean it isn't heartfelt. The tears, the breakthroughs, the hugs in kitchens and dressing rooms — they hit us right in the softest parts of ourselves. And somehow, this set carries that same warmth: we don't just build a loft, we build hope. :)

Because in a world that so often tries to divide things, Queer Eye, and this set remind us that life happens in full, vibrant colors. You don't have to fit into someone else's mold or play by their rules. What matters most is showing up as yourself — your messy, special, authentic self — and loving that person hard.

So build boldly, style fabulously, and always remember what JVN would say: "You're already gorgeous, babe. Now go out there and live like it!"

And don't forget: you are loved exactly as you are. 🏳️‍🌈

Dori Kasa — Check out my Ko-Fi for free goodies, creative tips, and a way to say hi with a virtual coffee. :) LEGO toy photographer, digital artist, mom. Foodie, healthy eating, tech enthusiast, and fantasy nerd. Subscribe here to my stories, and follow my journey on Instagram and Facebook, portfolio is coming soon(ish)!