Jun 26, 2009  |  By: Staff & Wire Reports  | COMMENTS     

Jay Fisette was the first openly gay elected official in Virginia state history when he was elected to the Arlington County Board in 1997, a body he chaired in 2001 and 2005. He’s earned respect for his work — the most recent honor came from the Virginia Transit Association, which named him “public official of the year” this month. Before being elected, Fisette, a 53-year-old who grew up in the Pittsburgh suburbs, was director of Whitman-Walker’s Northern Virginia clinic through most of the ’90s and spent most of the ’80s working as an auditor/investigator with the U.S. General Accounting Office. He and his partner of 26 years, Bob Rosen, live in Arlington’s Ashton Heights neighborhood with their two dogs, Chocco, a Chocolate Lab, and Cassie, a Border Collie mix they met in Dallas. Fisette spends his spare time swimming, bicycling, traveling and doing yard work.

How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I came out in 1980, when I took my pilgrimage to San Francisco. The hardest person to tell was probably my grandmother, as I never did, mostly because my parents asked me not to.

Who’s your gay hero?
Barney Frank. I think Barney has done more for the LGBT community than any single person in the past 25 years. He is smart and witty, value-driven yet pragmatic, tireless, respected by his peers and absolutely committed to seeking equality for LGBT people.

What is Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
The Lost and Found, of course. Half of the gay men of my generation on the East Coast came out there. I don’t even know the names of the today’s nightspots.

If gay marriage were legal, would you tie the knot?
Yes, if we could do so in Virginia. Last year we had a wonderful 25th anniversary party, which was designed to “celebrate and affirm” our relationship. All our family and close friends were there. It was amazing.

What non-gay issue are you most passionate about?
In my county work, I focus on environmental, climate and smart growth issues. The urban planning and transit components are fascinating to me, and are fundamental in creating a livable and sustainable community.

What historical outcome would you change?
Al Gore, whom I admire tremendously, would have become president in 2001. Alternately, Ralph Nader could have been locked in a basement for the last 10 years.

What has been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
The tearing down of the Berlin Wall — does that count?

On what reality TV show would you fare best?
“Survivor” — on location in Sitges, Spain.

What item of clothing has been in your closet since high school?
No clothes, but I’m still using the same (and only) bottle of cologne that I was given in high school.

If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Know What You Want, Want What You Have, Be Who You Are”

If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Nothing. My sexual orientation has been a gift. 

What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
I believe in this world.

What would you order for your last meal?
My mother’s spaghetti, or her meat loaf and macaroni and cheese!

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

What gay stereotype annoys you most?
When people say we “flaunt” our love. It’s a reflection of their discomfort. Love is natural.

What is the best gay film ever made?
“Big Eden.” What a wonderful romantic comedy.

What is the most overrated social custom?
Having to buy a new gift at Christmas or a wedding, when we all have beautiful, unused and unopened stuff to re-gift!

What trophy or prize do you most covet?
Being selected as the best multi-sport athlete at Bucknell, for swimming and water polo.

What’s your advice for gay teens?
Be honest with yourself and love yourself for who and what you are.

Why Washington?
Not Washington. Arlington!