Meet The 23 Most Crushable Queer People Of 2018

Every day at INTO, we strive to tell stories about incredible queer people around the world.

Whether it’s the release of a new album by emerging LGBTQ artists like Glen Parks, talking thirst traps and coming out with Senator Doug Jones’ son gay son Carson in his first-ever interview, or every Sunday with Food 4 Thot, we at INTO are in love with highlighting how incredible this community of ours truly is.

Today we want to change our focus a bit and not just show you some cool queer people doing amazing things, but instead show you amazing people who we… *drum roll*… have a serious crush on.

And who you should be crushing on, too.

So, to get you ready for Valentine’s Day, let us introduce you to a little yearly tradition we are starting here at INTO: our list of public-facing queer folks that we think you should (and will)have the hots for. The list includes some people you maybe already follow on social media, but may have been too afraid to talk to. Take their participation as consent to take your shot.

Everyone listed here agreed to be on the list and even took part in a quick Q to help prep you for that DM slide. And while our list is definitely not complete and could go on and on and on, it’s a start. So prepare your pick-up lines and best sexy selfie.Your crushes are waiting.

Welcome to the 2018 Crushables.

Tre’vell Anderson

Age:26
Profession:Journalist atLos Angeles Times
What’s your sign?Leo

Who was your first crush?Tahj Mowry

What would you do on a perfect first date?The perfect first date would involve the best fried chicken I’ve ever eaten and a feel-good, gut-busting movie, or we can go back home and cackle while watchingA Different WorldandLiving Single.

What about someone’s personality do you love most?I most love authenticity. I’m going to be me, and unapologetically so, and I prefer if others are able to do the same. And if your wit and intellect can match mine, I’ll have your babies.

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs?Head first. It’s the only way.

Tyler Oakley

Age: 28
Profession: Digital Creator
What’s your sign? Aries

Who was your first crush? Chris O’Donnell as Robin in the 1997 film Batman & Robin.

What would you do on a perfect first date? Lose track of time and be goofy together. As long as those two things are happening, it doesn’t matter what we’re doing.

How do you spend your Friday nights? My friends and I try to mix it up every weekend –gay bars to wiggle, Lakers game in jerseys, rollerskating in booty shorts, movie night in. Just always something with friends.

Photo credit: Rick Bhatia

Curtis M. Wong

Age: 38
Profession: Senior Culture Reporter at HuffPost, focusing on LGBTQ issues.
Gender Identity/Pronouns: Male, he/his/him
Location: New York, NY
What’s your sign? Libra

What would you do on a perfect first date? We’d pop in at an amusement park by the ocean–the Santa Monica Pier or Coney Island or something along those lines–where we’d share seafood and a smoothie, play Skee-Ball, ride a roller coaster, and watch the stars come out.

Have you ever hooked up from a DM slide? Yup (sorry, Mom!)

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? A little creativity and effort go a long way. I’m much more likely to engage with someone who’s taken at least five minutes to scan my profile and can add a personal touch to a DM than someone who just says, “Hey.” Proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar are turn-ons, too.

Photo credit: Damon Dahlen

Andrew Gurza

Age: 33
Profession: Disability Awareness Consultant / Cripple Content Creator
Gender Identity/Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Toronto, Canada
What’s your sign? Taurus

Who was your first crush? My first human crush was John Stamos. I was hot for Uncle Jesse. My first crush though was on the cartoon version of Robin Hood who was a fox. This may have been my first realization that I loved gingers and/or hairy men. Woof.

What’s your turn-off? My biggest turn off is being ghosted. It’s so very rude. If you’re not down for something or not into someone tell them! Send a text or a phone call or something, but to leave someone hanging really sucks.

What song is on your sex playlist? So many songs, but I really like me some Toni Braxton “You’re Makin Me High.”

Jaboukie Young-White

Age: 23
Profession: Comedian/writer
Gender Identity/Pronouns: he/him/his
Location: Los Angeles / New York City
What’s your sign? Leo sun / Aquarius moon / Virgo rising

Who is your dream date? I would dress like a mechanized centaur in assless chaps for Arca.

How do you spend your Friday nights? Usually doing a show/seeing a friend’s show. If not, I’ll prolly get drinks with friends at a low key, divey bar where the music is at a talkable volume or curl up on the couch and watch a documentary about how the world is fucked up.

What’s your turn-off? A sex-negative attitude.

Have you ever hooked up from a DM slide? not yet *wink*

Chris Crocker

Age: 30
Profession: Comedian & Songwriter
What’s your sign? Sagittarius

Who was your first crush? It’s a tie between Will Smith and Paul Rudd.

How do you spend your Friday nights? I’m kinda boring–I go out once every couple months–so I’m usually at home watching TV with pizza.

What about someone’s personality do you love most? I like someone who isn’t afraid to show their crazy up front. People tend to show only what they want you to see. If someone is just open with who they are–what’s not to love?

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? Have some decorum. Ask how someone’s day is. Sending unsolicited dick pics is an instant block from me.

Ari Fitz

Age: 😉
Gender Identity/Pronouns: She/Her/Daddy
Location: Los Angeles, CA
What’s your sign? Aquarius

What’s your turn-off? My biggest turn-off is someone who is too dependent on me. I used to make the mistake of associating dependency with love. It’s not. Inversely, I love women who are passionate about whatever it is they do and aren’t checking for me. Also, I have this thing against feet. I have NO idea what it’s about, but I have to control my gag reflex when someone’s bare feet touch me. I know, I know, it’s weird.

Have you ever hooked up from a DM slide? I have, yeah.

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? Haha! I’m no authority on sliding in DMs, but I’d say the best way to approach it is like you would in person. Take an interest in them beyond how good they look. Ask them a question, crack a joke, literally do anything

Jason Dardo/ Violet Chachki

Age: 25
Profession: Artist
What’s your sign? Gemini

Who was your first crush? My first crush was this boy I went to kindergarten with. I vividly remember us kissing on the playground slide. He recently reached out to me via social media and he’s also a happily out gay man.

What would you do on a perfect first date? Antique/vintage shopping and anal.

How do you spend your Friday nights? Usually working but if I’m not working, then I’m usually looking for the nearest dance floor.

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? Be upfront and honest but also playful and cheeky. Number one rule is don’t be weird or creepy.

Yosimar Reyes

Age: 29
Profession: Poet / Writer
Gender Identity/ Pronouns: He/His
Location: Los Angeles, CA
What’s your sign? Virgo

Who was your first crush?: OK, this might sound weird, but I have always known I was into dudes. Disney’s Pocahontas came out in ’95, and I fell in love with Kocoum (you thought I was going to say John Smith, but I’m decolonial).

How do you spend your Friday nights? Well, since I am single, most Friday nights I hang out with my homegirls. We all meet at my place, catch up on our week with some nice drinks, and then hit the town.

What’s your turn-off? Racist, classists, and just plain rude people. Be nice, it’s not that hard.

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? If you write me a song, write me a poem, gift me a painting, I will do you out of respect!

KC Ortiz

Age: I am forever 21 (I drank that potion from Death Becomes Her back in 1938)
Profession: Rapper/SongWriter
What’s your sign? Capricorn, my mom really wanted an Aquarius but she couldn’t hold it any longer.

What would you do on a perfect first date? I don’t know honestly, I’ve never really dated before, but I always imagine a Flavor of Love type set up where about 20 random interesting guys fight for my attention, we can go on fun dates, adventures, nice dinners, etc, then I can find a reason to break up with the winner on the reunion show so that I can have a season 2…3..4…

How do you spend your Friday nights? Most of my Fridays are spent at my friends place playing retro Nintendo games (which for some reason I suck at them now), drinking Coors Light beer, while listening to one of his 36 Taylor Swift playlists (which I have made a rap verse to almost every one of her songs in my head).

What about someone’s personality do you love most? They gotta be interesting and funny. I know I am super funny and I need someone I can bounce back and forth with. Iron sharpens iron, so I need someone who is gonna keep me laughing and make me up my joke game, too.

Darnell L. Moore

Age: 42
Profession: Writer / media maker
What’s your sign? Aquarius

What would you do on a perfect first date? Show up. For the past several years, I’ve been the one coordinating most of the dates I’ve been on. I am not sure if others expect me to do so or if I falsely assume that doing so is what others expect of me. I’m fine with that, though, because I enjoy creating the magic I want to experience with someone else. I’m a giver at heart.

So, a perfect first date, right about now, would be one I could show up at…with flowers and a smile and gratitude and recommendations for where we will grab drinks or dessert after (on me).

What about someone’s personality do you love most? The ability to fully be in tune with oneself and self-love. Honesty, too. I am attracted to people who are their own person, who know who they are, what they want, and what they expect of me.

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? I am bad at it. I am scared of rejection so I am not one to shoot my shot too often, but when, and if, I do, I try to be respectful, cool, and honest. Don’t lie and act as if you care about someone’s “work” when really you just want to get to know them. Be honest, but remember people are people and not avatars. Treat them as such.

Torii Wolf

Age: 31
Profession: Artist / Alien
Gender Identity/Pronouns: It depends on the context for me. I like when my name is used mostly. I also like to be called handsome.
Location: Omnipresent
What’s your sign? Gemini

Who was your first crush? Dianna McCarthy probably close in the running with Brian Sciubba both around five years old.

What would you do on a perfect first date? A perfect first date would probably take place while the sun is still up in a park with some snacks and paper with pen to do some blind contour drawings of each others’ faces. I would also want to have dinner and talk into a different galaxy together

How do you spend your Friday nights? I keep it close most of the time. There isn’t much of a difference between a Friday and Monday to me. I prefer the “off” nights to go out into the world, it’s usually a much more intimate experience with whatever or wherever or whoever. Lighting candles vibing out and good conversation. I enjoy going to events involving art performance or live music.

What’s song is on your sex playlist? Mmmm Nicolas Jaar “No,” Radiohead “Amazing Sounds of Orgy”–so many good ones.

Jacob Tobia

Age: 26
Profession: Author of the forthcoming memoir Sissy
What’s your sign? Leo

Who was your first crush? I’m a little embarrassed to say, but it was Tom Welling who played Clark Kent in Smallville. Talk about predictable, amiright?

What would you do on a perfect first date? I’m all about hiking these days. I just wanna hike with cute boys and make out at the top of Mount Hollywood.

How do you spend your Friday nights? Generally posted up in bed recuperating from a busy week, if we’re being honest. Once in a blue moon, my friends can convince me to go out bar hopping, but that is a very rare occurrence because I’m a total grandma.
What about someone’s personality do you love most? I like someone who is incredibly confident about their desire.

We live in a culture where people are taught to be ashamed of their desire for transfeminine people like me. If someone has the power to overcome that stigma, connect with their desire for me (in spite of what culture has taught them), and (consensually) shove me up against the wall; we’re in business. 🙂

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? I hate DMing, but I loveeeeee texting, so switch to text as fast as you possibly can.

Clarkisha Kent

Age: 23
Profession: Freelance Writer / Culture Critic / Messy Bitch / Petty Word Witch
Gender Identity/Pronouns: She, hers, her, that bitch
Location: Wherever Ms. Frizzle is from, but better!
What’s your sign? 200% Taurus

Who was your first crush? It’s a tie between OG Green Ranger Tommy (Jason David Frank) and Rosario Dawson–who I first saw in Men in Black 2.

Who is your dream date? Oh Good Lord, where do I begin? There’s the aforementioned Rosario Dawson, Cary Fukunaga, Chadwick Boseman, Lewis Tan, Janelle Monae, Tika Sumpter, and Chris Evans. Although, with this whole #BeardedCap thing and after his sit down with the hosts of The Thirst Aid Kid podcast and talk of “lubing” beards, he’s at the top of my list LOL.

What’s your turn-off? Chets (aggressively base White men who wear salmon shorts and Chacos and probably have lawyers for fathers) and Hoteps (if you don’t know what that is, it’s not for you).

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? For the love of Bast and all that is sacred, don’t be creepy. And DEFINITELY don’t say how long you’ve been “watching” this person you are messaging. DO NOT.

Danny Cruz

Age: 33
Profession: Sex Worker / Podcast Host
Gender Identity/Pronouns: Cis guy/he/his
Location: West Coast
What’s your sign? Virgo

Who was your first crush? Jason David Frank. He was the green power ranger. When he flashed on my screen for the first time in October 1993, my entire world changed. I essentially came out at that moment.

What would you do on a perfect first date? I’m the old school dinner and a show type. Not a movie though, a SHOW. Make it a drag show for extra points.

What about someone’s personality do you love most? I most adore confidence. I’m attracted to it so bad. I don’t mind helping boost someone’s confidence. It’s a big part of my job and one of my favorites. But when someone is happy and secure with themselves despite everyone else’s definition of “beauty,” I’m attracted. If that confidence slips into arrogance though, I’m out.

Laith Ashley

Age: 28
Profession: Singer/Songwriter / Model /Actor / Advocate
Gender Identity/Pronouns: Male/He/His
What’s your sign? Cancer

What would you do on a perfect first date? Not sure, I don’t date, and never have. I just meet people, and if I like you, you’re mine. Haha, just kidding…kind of. 😉

What’s your turn-off? A messy person and poor hygiene. Put them together, and you’ve just guaranteed me running in the opposite direction.

What about someone’s personality do you love most? Personality? What’s that? Gotcha! I like honesty, kindness, with a fun side. This isn’t a personality trait but would like someone who could keep up with me on the dance floor.

Have you ever hooked up from a DM slide? Nah, I don’t hook up.

Joel Kim Booster

Age: 29
Profession: Comedian
Gender Identity/Pronouns: Male he/his
Location: Los Angeles, CA
What’s your sign? Pisces

What would you do on a perfect first date? Grab a coffee and take a long walk around the Beverly Center.

Who is your dream date? Manny Jacinto, but gay.

How do you spend your Friday nights? I’m a recent LA transplant and I’ve really taken to the tradition of coming home, plopping down on the couch, smoke a j, and watch something for a few hours before meeting up with every gay person on the East Side at Akbar.

What song is on your sex playlist? The entirety of Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange.

What about someone’s personality do you love most? Empathy.

Have you ever hooked up from a DM slide? Yes

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? Be confident. If you’re hot, there’s literally no scenario where I would be mad about this.

Image credit: Mindy Tucket

Saturn Rising

Age: take a guess
Profession: artist
Gender Identity/ Pronouns: Don’t know it never heard of it
Location: LA
What’s your sign? Leo

Who was your first crush? Real life? Probably David, this guy I met on dance team. He was really stylish and cool…and gay.

Fantasy? Erik von Detten from Escape to Witch Mountain.

Who is your dream date? Some funny guy who talks mad shit or listens really well while I talk mad shit.

What song is on your sex playlist? Dawn Richard “Frequency” Kingdom Edit comes to mind, or TLC “Red Light Special” but like I can’t remember the last time I listened to music during sex–except for the band Tool.

Have you ever hooked up from a DM slide? No, but looking forward to it.

Image Credit: Olivia Krause @its_not_a_date

Zemmoa

Age: 31
Profession: Artist
Gender Identity/Pronouns: Trans Queer Latina
Location: Mexico
What’s your sign? Libra

Who was your first crush? As far I can remember, Aladdin.

What would you do on a perfect first date? Get married.

What about someone’s personality do you love most? Musical but charismatic but gallant, attentive, gentlemanly but sexy, horny but employee, responsible, honest, but, above all, into me.

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? Be smart about your choices & tell a friend.

SassyBlack

Age: 31 (tons of fun)
Profession: Entertainer, Educator
Gender Identity/Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Seattle, Washington
What’s your sign? Leo/Virgo = freaky funky organized mess

What are you INTO? Self-care, self-love, and self-motivated

Who was your first crush? Keanu, MJJ, and Tevin Campbell. Pretty much pretty muthafuckas.

What would you do on a perfect first date? Meet in a non club atmosphere and talk about Nathan For You, The Wiz, or music thangs.

Who is your dream date? Bruno Mars or Gayle. Beyoncé.

How do you spend your Friday nights? Either on stage, sleeping, at a show or playing board games.

What’s your turn-off? Arrogance. You don’t know everything. I do. Just kidding, kinda.

What song is on your sex playlist? “Crown Royal” – Jill Scott

Have you ever hooked up from a DM slide? Nah son

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? Follow me and like all my photos. Convince all your friends to follow me and like my photos. Say something nice but don’t expect a response. Honestly, DM slides don’t equal much except a heart emoji.

Yves Dropper

Age: 23
Profession: Model / Recording Artist
Gender Identity/Pronouns: Cis Male/he/him/father if you’re feeling psychedelic
Location: New York
What’s your sign? Gemini

Who was your first crush? Tina Turner and James Franco

What would you do on a perfect date: I don’t really care where we are or what we do, I just want to talk to you and listen to you speak, I adore listening to people talk, especially about their lives or themselves, I mean that in the most serious, genuine way.

What about someone’s personality do you love most? Someone who just doesn’t care what other people think, dance with me in the train station, laugh so loud that people think you’re on drugs, have compassion for people even if you don’t understand what they’re going through, that’s the shit I like!

Have you ever hooked up from a DM slide? nah 😉

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? Wear knee pads and a helmet.

Rakeem Cunningham

Age: 25
Profession: Gallery Director and Photographer
Gender Identity/Pronouns: Cis Man, He/His/Him
Location: Los Angeles
Sign: PROUD ARIES

Who was your first crush? My first crush on a guy was actually my friend in college named Adam. He had a boyfriend, and I loved hanging out with him in class and, like the iconic Cady Heron from Mean Girls, I’d act like I didn’t get something for him to help me out.

What would you do on a perfect first date? Honestly, my perfect date would just involve a bottle (or two) of wine and good conversation, and maybe the beach. Activities don’t impress me as much as the conversation and interactions themselves.

What about someone’s personality do you love most? Someone who isn’t afraid to be themselves. It’s cliche, but it’s the sexiest thing in the world for someone just to know who they are and own it. That and a dry ass sense of humor and kindness.

Ali Mushtaq

Age: 28
Profession: Academic/Public Speaker/Model
Gender Identity/Pronouns: Cisgender Man/He/Him/His
Location: LA
What’s your sign? Scorpio

Who was your first crush? Incidentally, it was Link from the Legend of Zelda.

What would you do on a perfect first date? Drinking some wine, conversations about philosophy, politics, and social justice, dance, and then going out to a West Coast Swing Club. Oh, and sex.

What song is on your sex playlist? Bruno Mars’ “Versace on the Floor” and anything a bathhouse/sex party might play.

What about someone’s personality do you love most? Intelligence is a huge turn on for me and their ability to be adventurous and open-minded.

Do you have advice on sliding into the DMs? Lots of lube?