Want to Be Happy? Listen to (and Smell) 'Drag Race' Pit Crew's Bruno

We need to talk about Bruno.

Bruno Alcantara is one of the featured models in Out's March/April 2022 issue, showing off a range of fragrances that have wafted to our radar.

But the RuPaul's Drag RacePit Crew member is also a life coach who offers some useful lessons for stressed-out members of the LGBTQ+ community. See his advice on good sense -- and scents -- below!

How much does scent play a role in your attraction to another person?

Scent definitely plays a big role in my attraction to somebody. The smell can really turn me on, and some people become unforgettable just for how good their smell or fragrance is.

Any particular notes you find alluring?

I really like the citrus, woody notes, [as well as] earthy, vanilla, tobacco, and spicy. These are usually the fragrances I go for.

As a life coach, what advice would you give to LGBTQ+ clients right now?

We all want to be loved, accepted, and feel like we belong. We find our own ways to have those feelings, to feel validated and worthy. But at the end, our relationship with ourselves, the way we think and feel about who we are, determines how we show up to life and to our relationships. That's why I believe that working on self-love, in your self-perception, accepting all that you are, and feeling in peace with yourself is fundamental for our happiness. And happy people make people happy.

Many 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' fans will know you as a member of the Pit Crew. What’s a life-changing lesson you’ve learned from your time on the show?

It's clear on the show how important it is to embrace your uniqueness. We are all different, with different backgrounds and life experiences. And that's exactly what differentiates you from others; there is space for everyone, all the colors, all the flavors. When we learn to embrace what is unique about us, and use it in our favor, we can just win in life. Be yourself.

What message do you have for your fans who might be feeling overwhelmed by the world right now?

We may not be able to control the circumstances and everything that is going on around us, but the one thing we can control is the way we respond to things, and that is where our power is. We have the ability to respond the way we choose. So, let's find ways that are more empowering and uplifting. Let's make the best of it.

Talent BRUNO ALCANTARA@brunocalcantara for bactalent.com
Creative Director & Location BEN WARD@_benjaminward_
Photographer EASTON SCHIRRA@eastonschirra eastonschirra.com for @theonly.agency
Grooming ROB SCHEPPY@robscheppy for @theonly.agency

Above BRUNO is wearing LEO Dark Blue Advanced Mesh Boxer Brief, LEO White Ultra-Light Perfect Fit Brief, LEO White Stretch Cotton Moderate Compression Tank, LEO Black Crew Neck Seamless Compression Tank, LEO Black Ultra-Light Perfect Fit Brief

This article is part of Out's March/April 2022 issue, appearing on newsstands April 5. Support queer media and subscribe -- or download the issue through Amazon, Kindle, Nook, or Apple News.

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