BOB PARIS, American bodybuilder and Gay Rights advocate, born; The former Mr. Universe, and International Federation of BodyBuilders professional bodybuilder, Bob Paris is a writer, public speaker and civil rights activist. He acknowledged his sexuality in the July 1989 issue of Ironman magazine and has graced the covers of scores of magazines worldwide.

After Paris officially came out as a Gay man in the media, he and his then-partner, Rod Jackson, became involved in Marriage Equality advocacy, started successful non-profits, lectured on a wide variety of Gay civil rights issues, and made many television, radio, newspaper and magazine appearances. The two separated in 1995. Today, Paris lives with his spouse of eleven years, on an island near  Vancouver, British Columbia.

In addition to his writing career, Bob Paris remains a committed civil rights advocate as well as a motivational speaker, model and actor. In  1998, he made his New York stage debut, starring at Carnegie Hall opposite Bea Arthur. Sandy Duncan and Tyne Daly in the Broadway musical, Jubilee as the character Mowgli. He is one of the subject of photographer Herb Ritts’ gorgeous book, Duo. His official website is: http://www.bobparis.com/