Jun 19, 2009  |  By: Staff & Wire Reports  | COMMENTS     

Mike Everts always knew he wanted to be a father. It was one of the things that drew he and his partner, whom he declines to name but has been with six years, together. Their dream came true three months ago when their son Paolo was born via artificial insemination and a surrogate, a woman who lives in Maryland they found through an agency after exploring other parenting options for gay families.

“We’d been talking about it for a long time but it never seemed like quite the right time,” Everts, a 33-year-old Honey Brook, Pa., native, says. “We finally said we’re never going to be completely ready, so we met with the agency.”

Everts says the process was surprisingly uncomplicated and not nearly as expensive as he thought it might be. Father’s Day, which is Sunday, will obviously have added significance for him this year. “Somebody said, ‘Happy Father’s Day in advance,’ to me the other day and I just kind of realized it because that’s not something you think you’re ever going to hear growing up gay.” Everts and his partner own FIT Personal Training in Dupont Circle and have about 100 clients (www.fit-dc.com). Because they own their own business, either Everts or his partner can be at home at all times to watch the baby. Everts enjoys fitness, writing, reading and designing workout programs. To relax, he meets friends for dinner and watches “Law & Order” reruns.

How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I came out over 12 years ago. Coming out to myself was the hardest part. Before coming out, “out” was not something I could comprehend. I was so different than whatever limited stereotype of gay people I was exposed to, that, for a long time, I wasn’t open to considering life as an openly gay man. I also had many preconceived religious distractions about homosexuality and love. After accepting myself as a gay man, it was still difficult to tell my family and friends, but it all happened very quickly and went very well.

Who’s your gay hero?
My husband. The life he lives, the person he is, his talent, his spirit, and the husband and father he is, reminds me everyday how lucky I am to raise our son together.

What is Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
I moved to D.C. right before Tracks closed. I think I remember there being a volleyball court there. I think that is pretty neat. It was also the first club I went to in D.C. and I value the nostalgia. Presently, my favorite place for a late night dinner is Fogo de Chao with my close friends.

If gay marriage were legal, would you tie the knot?
Yes. We consider ourselves married as is, and the legal protections afforded to us through recognized gay marriage are very important to our family.

What non-gay issue are you most passionate about?
I feel strongly about a number of very important political issues, but am most passionate about things that relate to fitness in regards to children with special needs such as child obesity, starvation and the Special Olympics.

What historical outcome would you change?
The Holocaust

What has been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
I remember the awkwardness of Ellen DeGeneres coming out and how a lot of people who were fans of the show had to struggle with how to deal with their feelings about her and her show after she came out. It also coincided with the time in my life where I was confronting my own feelings about homosexuality.

On what reality TV show would you fare best?
Undoubtedly those who have had the privilege of hearing my karaoke renditions of “Creep” by Radiohead or the Cranberries, “Zombie,” are likely to suggest “American Idol,” hands down, but I’ll go with “The Apprentice.”

What item of clothing has been in your closet since high school?
Two T-shirts — a Special Olympics volunteer T-Shirt and a T-shirt I swiped from my older brother years ago from some landscaping company he worked for. I think they both predate high school and are the most comfortable shirts I own.

If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Lo Sono Quello Che Sono” (“I Am What I Am”)

If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
I’d be skeptical.

What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
God and heaven.

What would you order for your last meal?
An obscenely large lobster tail.

What would you walk across hot coals for?
My family and friends.

What gay ...