Biography of Bob Paris

By the time Bob Paris was 23 years old, he was a Mr. America, World Champion of bodybuilding and Mr. Universe. From there he has become into a best-selling author, highly successful lecturer, and Broadway actor. For the past fifteen years, Bob has traveled the world speaking to universities and corporations about fitness, motivation and self-esteem.

It was events which took place in July, 1989 that propelled Bob Paris into the national spotlight as an articulate advocate for equal rights. Paris decided to cross a line. He publicly acknowledged in the pages of Ironman magazine that he was gay, while he was still an active competitor in his sport. Major media appearances and interviews followed - from Oprah to Donahue, magazine covers and nearly every major newspaper in America. Then came a highly successful lecture series at universities and corporations nationwide, motivated by Paris' deep belief in equal rights for every American citizen.

At the lecture podium, Paris brings the same philosophies which made him an internationally renowned athlete and continue to bring him success after bodybuilding. He doesn't just talk about overcoming adversity; his life is an ongoing example of it. Paris uses his own struggle as a gay man in a straight world as a launching pad for issues relevant in today's America. Issues such as self-esteem, family, gay marriage, work place discrimination, gays in the military, gays in athletics and a broad range of other timely topics are discussed with warmth, humor and insight.