Dec 05, 2008  | COMMENTS     

Ken Seifert, a 27-year old gay Rockville, Md., resident, isn’t planning to quit his day job with the U.S. Agency for International Development anytime soon to become a full-time author, but he is excited about the roughly 500 copies he’s sold of his debut novel “The Rising Storm,” which he self-published in February, 2007. “Storm” is a fictional account of a gay man and his right wing, conservative Christian neighbor who get stranded together during a Colorado blizzard. They work through their differences during the crisis and Seifert — who says neither character is the hero or the villain — hopes the story will encourage dialogue about the role of faith in gay rights. “There are a lot of non-fiction books on this topic, but not many that are fiction,” he says. “It’s about the evolution of their humanity through the course of the storm.” The book is for sale ($16.99) at Lambda Rising in Dupont Circle, where Seifert will sign copies and read selections from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Seifert came to Washington five years ago for graduate school at George Washington University. The Omaha, Neb., native lives in Rockville, Md., with his husband, Joshua Israel.

How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?

Five years and my mother because I didn’t want to hurt her or change the plans she had hoped for me in life. She was completely understanding and loving so I had nothing to worry about.

Who’s your gay hero?

For gay role models, Ellen is pretty admirable in her public advocacy, the way she broke ground by “coming out” on her TV series and her obvious love for her wife, Portia.

What is Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?

Gallery Place is my favorite because of the restaurants, movie theatre and coffee shops.

If gay marriage were legal, would you tie the knot?

Josh and I got married in Massachusetts, so it’s a legal wedding even though Maryland doesn’t recognize the marriage. I hope one day the federal government also recognizes our marriage.

What non-gay issue are you most passionate about?

Protecting the environment.

What historical outcome would you change?

President George W. Bush getting elected.

What has been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?

A reunion episode of “Saved by the Bell: the College Years” (yes, I realize it was pretty awful).

On what reality TV show would you fare best?

“Amazing Race” because I like traveling, am resourceful and love physical activity.

What item of clothing has been in your closet since high school?

A pair of boxers that were as comfortable in high school as they are today.

If your life were a book, what would the title be?

Probably close or the same as my novel, “The Rising Storm.”

If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?

Tell people to rent the movie “Gattaca.”

What do you believe in beyond the physical world?

A peaceful reality of some kind for good souls.

What would you order for your last meal?

Pancakes, chocolate chip cookies and pizza.

What would you walk across hot coals for?

To help or save the people I love.

What gay stereotype annoys you most?

That all gay men are effeminate — not that there’s anything wrong with those who are.

What is the best gay film ever made?

“Brokeback Mountain”

What is the most overrated social custom?

Not talking about politics, toilet humor or sex at the dinner table.

What trophy or prize do you most covet?

The Ketubah (the Jewish marriage certificate) that bears my husband’s name and mine.

What’s your advice for gay teens?

Know that each day it gets easier and easier to be gay in this country.

Why Washington?

Washington is where so much happens that affects the rest of the country and world — it’s an exciting place to be and a beautiful place to live. It’s got the excitement of a big city without the fatigue and claustrophobia.