Happy birthday, bodybuilder and gay activist Bob Paris!

Bob Paris, born December 14, 1959 in Columbus, Indiana, is a championship bodybuilder, a gay activist, writer, and public speaker.  

I first discovered Bob when I was into bodybuilding, and right away, he came out, becoming one of the first, if not THE first, athlete to come out while still actively competing in his sport.  Of course, the damage to his career was significant, losing about 80% of his bookings and endorsements.  

He and his husband at the time Rod Jackson co-authored a book, Straight From the Heart.  I purchased it and got Bob's autograph and my picture with him! 

I'm glad to hear that he is doing well! An inspiration for all of us. 

Celebrating Pride Month - Bob Paris, gay bodybuilder

Bob Paris, born December 14, 1959, is one of the first bodybuilders to come out as gay while he was at the peak of his competitive career.  He began competing in California and won Mr. Los Angeles in 1981 and in 1982 he won Mr. Southern California and the California Muscle Classic in Pasadena.  He won two more title in 1983.  He posed for Mr. Olympia in 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989 and 1991 but never got higher than 7th.  But in 1983 he won the IFBB World Championship Mr. Universe and professional qualifier in the Heavyweight Class and Overall!

In July 1989, he came out in an issue of Ironman.  His career suffered afterwards, losing about 80% of bookings and endorsements.   He and his partner at the time Rod Jackson co-authored a book, which I read, Straight from the Heart, in which Bob talks about struggling with his career and being gay. 

Paris retired from bodybuilding in 1991.  Since coming out, he has been a vocal advocate for gay marriage and gay rights.  He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with his husband Brian LeFurgey.

In 2006, Flex Magazine ranked him as the most aesthetic athlete in the history of bodybuilding.