The Oregonian: Man hopes state title will help confront stereotype |
| 2008-07-24 |
Near-win - Tim Bias represents Oregon in a most eligible gay bachelor contest
SARAH DUNLAP
The Oregonian Staff
Five gay men from across the country gathered in the W San Diego hotel last week, vying for the title of America's Most Eligible Gay Bachelor.
Among the contestants was a Lake Oswego native and Vancouver resident, Tim Bias, 43, in attendance as Mr. Oregon. He and the other finalists were selected by 35,000 Internet votes from a pool of 51 men, one from each state and Washington, D.C.
After weighing each man's "mind, body and soul," the judges selected Abel Lima -- Mr. Rhode Island -- in a split decision, making Bias the first runner-up. Lima and Bias will become spokesmen for the gay dating Web site myPartner.com, which sponsored the competition, event spokeswoman Leyla Farah said.
Two days before the contest, Bias spoke about his life and his qualifications to be America's most eligible gay bachelor. His comments have been edited for clarity and brevity.
What do you do for a living?
Farmers Insurance -- I have been a licensed agent 15, 16 years. I now own the office I work at. It is based in Vancouver.
Why doesn't that make you Mr. Washington?
It's either where you live or where your hometown is, and I have always considered Portland as my hometown.
I grew up on Lake Oswego, lived a short time in Gresham, then back to L.O. Lake Oswego was fun. It was really beautiful. I loved living up there on Mountain Park -- the hills and the trails -- and the rec center was amazing.
Why did you qualify as one of the most eligible gay bachelors in the country?
I wish I could say I knew why. People think I look nice -- they must be blind -- and also (they like) what I put down (in the online biography). I tried to be truthful but keep it light.
What responsibilities do you think accompany being deemed the most eligible gay bachelor in Oregon, or maybe the nation?
I'd hope to lose that title some day. I'd rather be America's best gay couple versus the best bachelor.
Until that day happens, I think there are a lot of stereotypical views about what gay men are like, and I'd definitely like to show people that we're not what the mass media portrays us to be. We are men. I change my oil in my vehicle and play sports, and I just happen to be romantically attracted to men.
How would you use the national title, or maybe just the state title?
What I really am excited about is how I could use this to change other people's lives. What I'm already hoping to do is use (the title) for charity work in the Portland area. Maybe we'll do a fundraising event where the highest bidder can win a date with me.
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