Behind the Scenes of Our Cover Shoot With Young LGBTQ Heroes

With photographer Luke Fontana behind the lens, every shoot we do is fun. But this month, the energy was off the charts thanks to YouTube star Tyler Oakley (who brought his own filmmaker, Nathan Flanagan-Frankl) and a bevy of brilliant, funny, quirky young adults. Here are just a few behind the scenes snapshots, including the cover stars and our amazing crew. And yes, basically everyone was hugging Oakley at some point.

Stylist Aisha Rae made Tyler Oakley look so good, we all wanted makeovers.

The "cast" cracks up (clockwise from top left): Haley Videckis, Layana White, Tyler Oakley, Gio Bravo, Shayna Maci Warner, and Edwin Bodney.

Our amazing crew (from left): hair and makeup artists Calvin Scott and Blondie; fashion stylists Angel Cross and Aisha Ray; photographer Luke Fontana (center bottom); YouTube star Tyler Oakley; Advocate editorial director Diane Anderson-Minshall, and deputy editor Jacob Anderson-Minshall.

Filmmaker Nathan Flanagan-Frankl hams it up with Oakley

Edwin Bodney and Shayna Maci Warner yuk it up

Shayna Maci Warner and Edwin Bodney strike a pose

Layana White's million-dollar smile

Edwin Bodney and Gio Bravo check in

Tyler Oakley is a natural model

Haley Videckis is not to be underestimated