Jun 27, 2008   | COMMENTS     

Taking the road less traveled sounds good in poetry, but it’s not always the easiest decision to make. For Rev. JOHN F. DWYER everything has fallen into place.

A lawyer for 20 years in New York City, Dwyer long held desires to be part of the priesthood, finally approaching his rector in Greenwich Village to discuss the Episcopal ordination process. He attended the Virginia Theological Seminary for two years and began working as the assistant rector at Dupont Circle’s St. Thomas Episcopal Parish in July of 2007 — a position that became fortuitously available upon the completion of his studies.

As part of his senior project at the seminary, he wrote “Those 7 References: A Study of 7 References to Homosexuality in the Bible,” a book that’s his answer to conservative Christians’ assertions about homosexual identity and Judeo-Christian scripture. Dwyer lives in Southwest D.C. with his Bernese Mountain Dog. His book can be found on Amazon.

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

I’ve been out for about 20 years. I did not have a difficult time telling anyone. I was confident in who I was and figured if the person I was telling couldn’t accept me, then I did not want them in my life.

Who’s your gay hero?

Ellen DeGeneres.

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

If you mean restaurant/bar type places, then I would have to pick the U Street Diner.

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

If I was in a relationship with the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, yes, I would.

What non-gay issue are you most passionate about?

Homelessness.

What historical outcome would you change?

The result of the 2000 presidential election.

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

Madonna’s [award show] performances (“Like a Virgin,” “Vogue”).

On what reality TV show would you fare best?

A combination of “Project Runway” and “Top Chef.”

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

High school was so long ago. If there was something, it would have fallen away into ashes and dust by now!

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

“Making a Mark and Standing By It.”

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

Nothing. I am happy the way God made me.

What do you believe in beyond the physical world?

God’s love.

What would you order for your last meal?

New York City pizza (with pepperoni and sausage) and for dessert, a New York bagel with cream cheese and chives.

What would you walk across hot coals for?

To meet Jesus.

What gay stereotype annoys you most?

That every gay man or lesbian is promiscuous and unable to be monogamous.

What is the best gay film ever made?

“Latter Days” tied with “The Line of Beauty.”

What is the most overrated social custom?

Thinking it is OK to ignore people on an elevator or a sidewalk. Life would be so much more pleasant if folks weren’t so rude.

What trophy or prize do you most covet?

A Tony Award for Best Performance in a Musical (because I can’t dance and do not sing that well).

What’s your advice for gay teens?

Be honest about who you are. Be thoughtful with whom you share the knowledge of your sexuality, at least initially. Find safe refuges if you are surrounded by hostility. Always wear a condom and practice safe sex.

Why Washington?

It is the city where the church that called me to serve as priest resides. (And I like it here, too.)