'Love, Simon' star Joey Pollari is spilling the tea on his ideal first date

Love is in the air!

Even before he came out back in 2018 while starring in Love, Simon, Joey Pollari has brought queer representation to the big and small screens with a slew of notable roles over the years.

Pollari's latest project is no exception as he stars in the adorable LGBTQ+ rom-com Things Like This, where his character Zack deals with crippling anxiety as his life starts falling apart once he reunites with his middle school crush.

"I thought the opportunity would be really fun! Playing this role was a blast because of that level of fear and anxiety eating at him nonstop. [The] hope is that someone will have some kind of recognition that's helping them along," Pollari tells PRIDE.

Pollari is beyond grateful that his dynamic gay roles have opened minds and started conversations for many people struggling with their sexuality.

"What I like about all of the stories that I've portrayed is that, although they're pushed a gay agenda, they've ultimately gone past that at some point. I played those characters where they had so much struggle about their identity. You're just trying to portray the emotion of shame, anxiety, chaos, and self-sabotage."

Besides the very challenging aspects of coming out, Pollari loves showcasing queer joy on and off screen. Since Things Like This depicts a beautiful gay love story, the star dished on what his ideal first date looks like.

"I'm actually really simple! I don't like an activity for a first date. I do not want to go bowling or on a hike. My perfect date is you and I sitting down. We have a drink, we have a meal, and we actually get to just talk to one another. That's just me!"

Things Like This is out now in theaters. To see the full interview with Joey Pollari, check out the video at the top of the page.