Meet Michols Peña – the new gay manager steaming up Southern Hospitality

Sparks are flying between these sexy coworkers.

Southern Hospitality is having a steamy season right now on Bravo and it's mainly thanks to the queer cast members!

Michols Peña is the latest gay heartthrob to join the show and he's bringing no shortage of drama as he navigates coming out and having feelings for some of his employees, including TJ Dinch.

"I'm having the best time being transparent and staying true myself. It's really one of the biggest things I've taken away from all of this. It's definitely not easy, especially watching it back," Peña tells PRIDE.

Peña is in a particularly unique spot as he acts as the manager of Republic Garden & Lounge, which is a substantial role, especially for a queer man in the South.

"Watching the show before getting on it, I felt like the queer person was always the side character and I feel like this is the first time this show is representing a queer storyline. It's nice to finally be heard and feel seen and help other people."

Although the representation is certainly needed during these trying times, Peña admits that he couldn't help but involve himself in the juicy storylines that play out the season. Notably, the cast trip in Las Vegas is going to bring new levels of drama the franchise has never seen.

"Michols is not manager Michols. Michols is messy Michols in Vegas. Let's say I may or may not ruin some frienships."

Southern Hospitality airs Thursday nights on Bravo. To see the full interview with Michols Peña, check out the video at the top of the page.