OUR CRUSH ON

ACTOR TYLER ALVAREZ HAS BEEN LASER-FOCUSED ON HIS CAREER. FROM HIS FIRST PROFESSIONAL ACTING GIG IN A TOTINO’S PIZZA COMMERCIAL, HE HAS PUSHED HIMSELF AND CONTINUED THE HUSTLE TO BE AMONG HOLLYWOOD’S LEADING STARS OF TOMORROW. His credits read like a potpourri of genres, a testament to his chameleon-like ability to embody a wide variety of characters. He became a teen favorite with his role in Nickelodeon’s Every Witch Way, followed up by his appearance in Orange is the New Black, his lead role in Netflix’s American Vandal, both seasons of Never Have I Ever, and Hulu’s latest offering for Pride, the teen rom-com film Crush. He hasn’t taken a breath and has recently wrapped up filming the Randall Park-led ensemble comedy series, Blockbuster, which takes place in the last Blockbuster in America.

Knowing his journey towards stardom would only be legitimate if he was proud of his identity, he celebrates almost exactly a year since he came out publicly on social media. Even with our current boom of “out” Hollywood actors, the career path that Tyler had established had not been focused on his sexuality. I did not want to come out because I was afraid of how limiting it would be for acting jobs. I was afraid that I’d be up for a part, they’d find out that I was gay and they wouldn’t pick me. I mean, I had been “out” since I was 15 to everyone in my life, even the people I worked with knew I was gay. I didn’t really do a good job of hiding it, nor did I try. But I was afraid of that. What sparked me coming out was a multitude of things. It was a bunch of little conversations over a few years. I had a mentor of mine say to me, “Which side of the line do you want to be on? Do you want to be part of the change, or do you not want to be a part of the change?” That stuck with me. Then I heard an interview with Viola Davis, years later, say, “If it means something to you, let it cost you something.” And I’m like, yes. This human rights movement is more important, is bigger than me, bigger OUR CRUSH ON TYLER ALVAREZ

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ other people. Alvarez says that coming out hasn’t had an impact on the type of roles that he has been called in for. He has always been called for both gay and straight roles, but now, since his coming out, he is honored to play them. He has often been cast as a straight teen, and his appearance in the queer-centric Crush is no different. He plays Dylan, a hypersexual high school kid who can’t keep his hands off his girlfriend. He pulls it off with aplomb,

after all, isn’t that an actor’s job, no play the role effectively? Now with his sexuality out in the open, does Tyler feel a need to play straight roles in a certain way, careful of his inflections and mannerisms?

The magic of Tyler’s film Crush is the optimistic way romance is depicted. At the center of the film is a high school teen who identifies as a lesbian. In the categorical way that rom-coms work, she has plenty of comedic and touching missteps along the way until she finds her true love. Her sexuality and the sexualities and gender identities of the characters around her are not presented with pomp and circumstance, or with loud overtures of making a statement. The film is sweet and just … is. Is this the future of our youth? Unless you are told something is not normal, it is. The same teen angst, the same heartbreak, the same awkward first kisses, that all exists regardless of who you love or how you identify. The celebration of young love also adds levity to a typical drama-heavy library of LGBTQ media that often centers around coming out, the AIDS epidemic, or the violence towards our community.

There’s a fascinating irony that Crush revels in a culture where youth not only talk about their sexuality, but they also embrace it. And the adults around them support their identities. It is a not so funny juxtaposition of what’s happening in the nation with laws moving towards quieting those voices. It shows that it’s not the youth that has the issues, it’s the parents. Tyler believes there is no age restriction or limitation on when you can present our community to the masses.

Being pigeonholed as gay wasn’t the only trepidation Tyler had early on in his career. Born into the Cuban and Puerto Rican culture, he was fully aware of the types of roles certain ethnicities were being cast in.

Now with the film industry’s focus on LGBTQ representation in the media, Tyler’s headlines have shifted to include mention of his sexuality and coming out. Even this interview shifted focus from his acting and latest film to discuss his personal life. Does he think the stress of his personal labels overshadows his acting or is it more important to promote visibility?

Having had the opportunity to interview many young actors in the business, Tyler Alvarez is a breath of fresh air. Not only does he have a firm understanding of his identity, but he also knows his place in the industry and is aware of the hard work that it takes to continue. He has not succumbed to the allure of young Hollywood nightlife, nor has he coasted on one successful role. His work ethic comes from his family, and his drive comes from his own willpower.

Part of that hustle is working on himself. Tyler’s Pride message to the community reflects his own routine.

You can watch Crush now streaming on Hulu. ■

BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES

LOOKING TO HAVE FUN IN THE SUN THIS SUMMER? BE SURE TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN. GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN YOU COULD JUST SQUEEZE AND SLATHER SOME BANANA BOAT SUNSCREEN ON AND SPEND THE AFTERNOON KICKING IT IN THE SURF. Our environment is changing, and we need to be careful to protect the skin we’re in. Let’s face it, there’s nothing cute about that peeling post-lobster red tan after Pride, Market Days, Bear Week in P-Town. We have explored a variety of skincare products selected just before the summer of 2022. Here is a selection of products and ideas to allow for a healthy glow with a close emphasis on care in skincare.

Alpha-H, a pioneer in the use of glycolic acid, has recently expanded its line for a full spectrum of skin concerns. Their Essential Skin Perfecting Moisturizer with SPF 15 is a light cream offering multi-faceted protection from the sun, lifestyle, and environmental damage. Apply this non-greasy moisturizer each morning and give yourself a good 20 minutes for it to absorb before going outside. If you plan on being out in the sun for a full day, be sure to pack it in your bag as it should be reapplied every two hours.

BESOMA’s journey started in 2017. They’re a small brand with a big vision of offering cruelty-free and toxin-free products. Their Beauty Sunscreen SPF 40, a hybrid of physical and chemical SPF, is packed with zinc oxide 8% to help calm redness and combat a variety of issues. The skin is protected from harmful UV rays as well as pollution. This sunscreen also firms, nourishes, and rejuvenates the skin. Is it a fountain of youth formula too? Perhaps. BESOMA’s approach to sunscreen also protects from blue lights from electronic devices and helps to prevent free radicals and oxidative damage.

A favorite of South Korea, Dr.Jart + was founded in Seoul in 2005 by Leeo (Chin Wook) Lee. Dr. Jart+ stands for “doctor joins art” and they take skincare’s best ingredients and join them with artful experiences to create high-performance derma skincare with a playful twist. Their CICAPAIR™ TIGER GRASS CAMO DROPS SPF 35 is an ultra-lightweight color corrector that has a serum-like texture that instantly neutralizes redness and ignites skin’s glow. The formula is actually green-to-beige and it adapts to skin’s natural color to correct redness on contact. Is it okay to use for sensitive skin? Yes! The tiger grass paired with a gentle mineral sunscreen is good for all skin types and helps to protect the skin from sun damage by providing a protective barrier to reflect those pesky UVA and UVB rays. Want even more protection? Dr. Jart+ also offers EVERY SUN DAY™ MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 50+, which is a matte finish physical sunscreen that’s also waterproof and great for all skin types.

Back in 2002, Dr. Sturm developed her controversial MC1, cream that harnesses the power of the body’s own proteins in a skin-healing formula to address the visible signs of inflammation. The cream was initially only available for her patients. Word got out and she launched a full skincare line in 2014. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Aloe Vera Gel, consisting of 90% pure organic aloe leaf juice, helps to support skin regeneration while reducing the appearance of irritation. The product also contains purslane, which is an anti-aging ingredient that helps to defend the skin from attack by free radicals and reduces the visible signs of irritation, and also panthenol, which has additional skin soothing benefits. Apply a generous amount of the gel all over the face and body after sunbathing or when you feel like your skin needs a little extra love.

Every Man Jack’s Sun Shield Spray is a great quick option to pack for a day out in the sun. This quick way to protect the skin from sun damage is an excellent SPF 30 sunshield offering broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a water-resistant spray. Ingredients include shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E. The oils in shea butter will soak your skin to create a barrier that seals in moisture while vitamin E nourishes dry, damaged skin, and aloe vera will soothe and hydrate. Every Man Jack also offers a SPF 50 Face Shield Stick that you can glide across your face for a little extra coverage. Both products can provide effective coverage for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Gabriel Cosmetics Inc., founded by Gabriel De Santino in 1992, originated as a botanical skincare company drawing on Gabriel’s personal influences and childhood experiences of homeopathic skincare and cosmetics. Gabriel’s new mineral-based sunscreen for face and body features broad spectrum SPF 50 and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The transparent and reef safe formula features UVA/UVB reflector zinc oxide and a nourishing, gentle blend of naturally sourced ingredients like sunflower seed oil, shea butter, green tea extract, rosemary, and coconut oil. The product is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and isn’t sticky like other lotions. What’s that subtle fragrance? Mandarin orange, sunflower, and coconut. It smells like summer. We love the packaging, and at 2.1 oz. it’s easy to tuck in your bag before heading to the beach.

Nourish your skin after you’ve come in from the sun. NaturaBisse’s C+C Vitamin Summer Lotion is the ultimate way to hydrate and soothe your summer complexion. Use this face and body lotion, which contains aloe vera and vitamins C and E to restore a sense of well-being while enhancing your suntan and making you look radiant. Additional complementary NaturaBisse products that work well with the summer lotion include their C+C Vitamin Eye gel cream with ginseng, C+C Vitamin Complex serum concentrate with vitamin C, and the revitalizing C+C Vitamin Micellar Cleansing Water. If you’re looking for a bit of a golden tone, opt for their C+C Vitamin Self-Tan Drops, which will leave you with a bronze finish and that special summer glow by the time the sun sets.

Drs. Tei-Fu and Oi-Lin Chenn started Sunrider in Utah in 1982 combining generations of ancient Eastern traditions with modern Western innovation. Dr. Tei-Fu Chen is a world-renowned herbalist with a degree in pharmacy and his wife, Dr. Oi-Lin Chen, is a licensed medical doctor. Their Oi-Lin Protective Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 uses some of nature’s best sun-blocking minerals and antioxidantrich botanicals to protect, preserve, and deeply hydrate the skin. Squalene, avocado oil, and tocopheryl acetate work together in this moisturizer to melt into your skin and retain balanced moisture levels to provide ultimate protection from the sun. Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or exercising.

SkinMedica® was founded by pioneers in the science of skin rejuvenation in 1999 with a vision to help slow the aging process. SkinMedica® Essential Defense is a collection of broad-spectrum sun protection products curated to meet the needs of varying skin types. The Essential Defense collection delivers broad spectrum protection, while providing sun care solutions for those with sensitive, post procedure, and oily/acneprone skin. SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear™ SPF 47 is a lightweight, sheer sunscreen that can be used for all skin types, but especially ideal for oily and/or combination skin with UVB coverage. This oil, fragrance, and paraben-free product will not clog your skin. The package is sleek and TSA friendly if you’re hopping a flight to Miami or Turks for the weekend. Apply liberally over the entire face (neck and chest, if desired) 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every two hours.

Jack Black’s Oil-Free Sun Guard SPF 45 Sunscreen is a high-quality vitamin-enriched, water- and sweatresistant lotion that offers superior broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Apply a generous amount to your face and body and see how it absorbs fast without a greasy residue. Jack Black’s product is a great option if you’re working out, playing beach volleyball, tennis, or engaging in intense physical activity. It’s safe for sports and leisure in and out of the water and won’t cause eye irritation. Ingredients include zinc oxide to offer an effective physical protection with both UVA and UVB protection as well as octinoxate and octisalate to provide protection from UVB rays.

Talika took off in 1948 when Danielle Roches imagined a base of plant extracts and creams to treat soldier’s burns. She quickly discovered the same cream stimulated the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows. Talika became one of the pioneers of instrumental cosmetics by providing a light approach to many of the skin’s common ailments. Spent too long out in the sun? Talika’s research team has developed a solution to revive your skin in just fifteen minutes. Bio Enzymes Mask - After Sun can soothe and refresh with chamomile, arnica and bio cellulose (made from the enzyme fermentation of coconut water). Set the mask for 15 minutes and reduce that burning sensation of overheating while rehydrating the skin. Leave it on for a half hour if you’re not ready to take it off.

Any health, wellness, medical or cosmetic claims contained in this feature should be verified with the product provider and your health care professional.