Andrew Harris

Andrew Harris started out our interview by explaining how he ended up in Little Rock. “I moved around a lot after my parents divorced when I was six,” Andrew explained. “I eventually ended up living with my father around the 9 th grade and graduating from Clinton High School. Clinton is only famous for one thing — The National Chuckwagon Races. I know, right.” He works at a nationally published newspaper in the sales side of the advertising department. Currently, Andrew is working on the public relations committee for Simply Red, a benefit for the Arkansas AIDS Foundation. Simply Red will be held Dec. 8 in Little Rock. We asked Andrew his thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc. “I was fortunate enough to have a very loving and understanding family and group of friends when I decided — or rather my mother decided it was time for me to be honest about my sexuality. She and I worked at the same company for a number of years after I graduated, and at lunch one day she just flat out asked me if I was gay or not. I was at the point in my life where I had the decision that I wouldn't lie to anyone else about being gay and that if they wanted to know bad enough to ask, then I would tell them. She proceeded to call and tell my entire family over the following two hours. “I think that being honest with my mother was the single most positive thing I could have done for myself, both as a gay man and as a young adult. I also have a very close relationship with my mother's sister and the best advice I have ever been given in regards to living my life came from her — and that was that if you're “going to live it, then you have to embrace it.” She wasn't referring to me being gay at the time but that statement stuck with me as being so true, and I believe it still applies." What do you see in the near future and long-range for gay rights/equality? “I think this is our civil rights era much the same way that the 60's and 70's were for African Americans. And in much the same way that every society evolves, in 30 years people are going to look back on today's hot issues like gay marriage and adoption and think.. ‘What was the big deal anyways?'" Profiles in Pride questions: Date and place of birth? December 10, 1982, North Little Rock, Ark. What is your favorite food? Probably Sushi What food will you not eat? Don't really like meatloaf. I think because it was forced upon me at an early age. What is the best job you've ever had? The one that I have now. What is your dream job? One that would allow me to spend a good part of the day with the children that I plan to have. If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time? Work in the yard. I really like to plant flowers.  Who do you admire most (living or dead)? I admire many different people for many different things. But overall, probably my father's mother because of her incredible strength of character. Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)? My great-grandmother, who passed away when I was too young to truly appreciate her. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? Auburn What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time? I would have come out at an earlier age What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time? Somehow prevented the election of George W. Bush What is your favorite word? I was told recently that the world “Celadon” has been proven to be the most beautiful word in the English language.  It means “any of several Chinese porcelains having a translucent, pale green glaze.” It's also a trucking company. Least favorite word? Titties Favorite curse word? Son-of-a-bitch.  I really like the way it rolls off your tongue.  What turns you on? My boyfriend What turns you off? I spider would in a second What word would others use to describe you? I asked around on this and I've heard everything from compassionate to dependable and organized.  What word sums you up? I would have to say dependable if I was to pick one personally.