Shay Mitchell exposed more than just skin in a recent photo shoot with Flaunt magazine – the actress opened up about her experience portraying a gay character on Pretty Little Liars.

“It’s just been amazing. Every single day I get a tweet from fans saying how much they can really relate to Emily,” Shay said. “That she’s the first character they feel isn’t a stereotype.”

© Olivia Malone/Flaunt

The Canadian actress posed in several vampy looks that paired black, textured pieces (including one sheer embroidered look) with wet-look hair and bordeaux lips.

The ‘Grind Issue’ explores how people, including Hollywood elite, handle their day-to-day lives.

© Olivia Malone/Flaunt

“You need to take care of yourself – especially in this industry, because if you don’t you’re going to break. You’ve got to set aside and take time for yourself,” the 27-year-old television star added. “That can honestly be just me in my bed reading a book or watching a documentary I’ve wanted to see, or going to the spa.”

Shay recently appeared as a guest judge on the 13th season of Project Runway.