I still feel like every day there might be something that I want to hyperfixate on that’s negative. I’m like, “Oh, I don’t like this. We don’t like that.” [Instead, it’s] trying to just focus on those things that I do love and I do feel good about, then each day kind of try to expand on that.
TV: What did you wake up feeling good about today?
AM: Honestly, I woke up feeling good about the fact that I was getting to have my glam done from my awesome team and that we’re all here together. I think that was what made me feel good about going into today, because things like this can be very stressful. There can be a lot of photos that are taken and you’re going to be on display, and that can be a lot.
TV: Yeah, totally. Especially with your busy schedule and then big moments like this, how do you keep yourself grounded and how do you cope with your mental health?
AM: I mean, sometimes I don’t cope. I definitely have days where things get the best of me and I just need to have a day to myself where I’m, you know, focusing on touching grass. So, yeah, it’s not always great, but I think, honestly, I’m just trying to take it day by day, little by little. If I do feel like I’m having a day where I’m not coping very well, I just let myself have it. Just being gentle with yourself and allowing those feelings.
TV: I also wanted to ask you about being named to the Out 100. That is so cool.
AM: Oh, my gosh, yeah. It was a huge honor. I’ve been following that list for years and to be honest, it was really, really, really huge for me. There’s so many incredible people on it every year.
TV: Why is it important to you to offer that representation and be open about your bisexuality?
AM: I think there are so many instances where people want us or everyone to live quietly. But I think that representation is everything. It’s something that you don’t necessarily think about every day, and then when you see it, when you see someone who’s like you, you realize, ‘I’m not alone. If this person’s out, I can be out.’ Especially right now, there are so many attacks on the LGBTQ community in so many ways, and I just feel like it’s important to live out and proud.
TV: Okay, hard pivot to Love Island. What was the biggest surprise for you going from a fan to being on the show and being the host, the star of the show?
AM: Honestly, I feel like it’s a bit surprising just how much fun it is. They say to never meet your heroes, and it’s my favorite show, so people have been like, “It might not be what you thought.” But it’s actually a really, really fun time and I love being there and seeing how they create these challenges in like a day. The art department is incredible. Just watching how all of the many moving parts come together to make this awesome show. So I feel like that was a little bit surprising.
TV: And when things get racy or wild, how do you keep a straight face?
AM: [Laughs] It’s hard sometimes.
