Text by Caroline D’Arcy Gorman
Photos by Jasper Soloff
Art Director: Alexandra Dorschner
Stylist: Miranda Banana
MUA: Ruth Arden and viktoria_yourman
Designers: Colin LoCascio / Sterling New York
Hanging out with Brandon Flynn is like kicking it with an old friend—familiar, friendly, and above all fun. The actor, who plays Justin Foley in the hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, has quickly made a name for himself by shooting down stereotypes that serve to keep queer people in boxes. We hung out with Brandon one sunny day in Brooklyn and, between harmonizing with Dua Lipa’s “New Rules”, we created some magic in the studio.
At just 24 years old, Flynn possesses a duality of youth and wisdom; he has the grace of someone who has been at this for decades, navigating the nuances of being out in mainstream Hollywood, and his newfound stardom, with expertise. “In a community where it feels like everyone is fueled by anger, I often try to figure out what my part is. Yes, as an actor, I dream to be on shows and in movies and plays that speak to audiences about relevant issues, but there are times when what I say or do doesn't seem helpful or worthy. I am trying to be a leader to show people that life can be fulfilling and that we no longer live in a world with black and white rules.”
In fact, it is Brandon’s colorful personality that allows us to understand his world view—a world that is “full of colors and full of dreams. We can be light, we can be love, we can rise through the mayhem.” And even while the mainstream is progressing towards a more inclusive and diverse reality, we need more young stars like Flynn whose optimistic vision will surely serve to catalyze progress. “Our lives are examples, be free, be love, be wrong, be right—just be.”