Neil Giuliano
Answers OUT Spoken’s questions

What are you most known for?
I let other people make those observations for the most part---I suppose I am known for having been the mayor of Tempe, Arizona for ten years, and yes, for being openly gay. Tempe was the largest city in America (pop: 175,000) with an openly gay mayor for nearly 6 years, until David Ciccilene was elected in Providence, Rhode Island.

Where did your life begin?
Bloomfield, NJ

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Happiness is not a state of being, it is a way of approaching and dealing with all that comes your way in life. And it is never perfect, but it is most often very good.

What is your greatest fear?
I don't have any really, probably that some day I will not be able to take care of myself and no one else will want to!

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I think the way Lincoln handled his challenges and rose above them to make a difference is very inspiring.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Hmmm, I really don't have any. Some indulgences maybe, but I am very low maintenance and was raised without a lot of things so am not into excess. The best things in life are not things.

What is your favorite journey?
Anything with friends around; I love being out on the ocean. What do you dislike most about your appearance? Years ago I would have said the Italian nose, but I am fine with it now.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Patience is overrated. I am a "do it now" guy and hate to wait.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Well, I believe repetition is important, so overuse is a mater of perspective. With GLAAD I always say, "How our lives are portrayed in the media doesn't make a bit of difference. It makes all the difference."

What is your greatest regret?
"Forget regret or life is yours to miss"-Jonathan Larson, from "No Day But Today" and the musical RENT

What is the greatest love of your life?
The "what" would be my commitment to social justice for lgbt people.

When and where were you happiest?
Many years ago, in the arms of my boyfriend.

Which talent would you most like to have?
If I could do anything, I would be a singer, a Josh Groban type who moves people with the power and beauty of words and music.

What is your current state of mind?
Calm on the surface, but moving fast. I have a lot to do. Rest is a necessity, not an objective.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
If I could, I would have. Some things just are, and you have to make it work to your benefit.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Helping others achieve, inspiring others to make great things happen.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
I am sure I have not seen it, so it is hard for me to say.

What is your favorite occupation?
What I am doing now, or I would not be doing it.

What is your most marked characteristic?
I am very low-key, been steaming mad about 5 times in my life.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
Authenticity and caring.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Caring and authenticity.

How would you like to die?
Plain old age would be fine. I watched my Mom die, very sad and difficult of course, but also quite fascinating. It's going to happen, no hurry needed, but I am not afraid of death.

What is your motto?
The line I coined while mayor: "Your challenges will equal the greatness you desire." Nothing of any significance will be easy or without controversy.

What is your favorite word?
Peace.

What turns you on?
Intensity

What turns you off?
Rudeness

What sound or noise do you love?
Ocean waves

What is your favorite curse word?
None of them--I'm old fashioned, you can express yourself well without nasty hateful language. Curse words are mostly used against other people.

What profession, other than yours, would you like to attempt?
I'll take Anderson Cooper's gig, or try acting

What profession would you absolutely not like to participate in?
I don't want to kill the animals we eat.

Who should play you in the movie of your life?
Hmmm, Ethan Hawke? No, that's just who I like. Maybe James Franco? No, that's just another hot one. I don't know---good question. You do the casting.

Finally, do you have a shameless plug?
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is doing great work in media advocacy, fighting defamation and changing hearts and minds. Far beyond the very visible GLAAD Media Awards, join us at glaad.org