Brendan O'Hara took a chance answering an ad posted on the Internet—and wound up being the newest America's Gay Bachelor. In a contest that culmnated with five finalists meeting in a pageant-style competition in San Diego, Calif., Mr. California Alejandro Rubio was voted the winner. However, because the vote was so close, both Rubio and O'Hara ( who was Mr. Massachusetts ) will become public spokesmen for myPartner.com, which sponsored the contest, and will help create awareness of eligible gay bachelors throughout the country.
Before the June 20 event, O'Hara spoke with Windy City Times about the contest.
Windy City Times: How did you find out about this contest?
Brendan O'Hara: On Facebook. You know how they have those ads on the right-hand side of the screen? There was one that read, "Are you gay and are you single? Then you could be America's next gay bachelor." I clicked on it, out of curiosity, and it looked like a [ legit ] contest, so I said, "What the heck? I'm gay and single. I'll float a few pictures and answer a couple of questions." I didn't think anything of it, and on May 1 they sent me an e-mail, saying they chose me to represent Massachusetts in this contest. [ Laughs ] It was a total surprise.
WCT: So do you have any idea how you were selected as one of the top five finalists?
BOH: There were different levels. The first level was state [ rep ] —the panel of judges at MyPartner.com chose one person from each state. Between May 1 and 31, the top five [ vote-getters ] got to go to San Diego.
WCT: Once you get there, it'll be a pageant-like atmosphere.
BOH: Right.
WCT: And what will the categories be?
BOH: They just sent me a six-page PDF about it, and it seems pretty intense. They're going to ask us a few questions, do a runway show modeling Rufskin denim.
WCT: And what does the winner get?
BOH: The title, a getaway for two valued at $2,000—they call it a matchmaking package courtesy of MyPartner.com . I asked them about it, and apparently it's a concierge service, if you will, to help you find a partner.
WCT: What types of questions are you expecting? Keeping in mind Carrie Prejean, what would you answer if they ask you about same-sex marriage?
BOH: Well, I'm definitely for it; I hope to be married myself one day. I live in Massachusetts, so a bunch of my friends are married—some with adopted children and some with children from past [ relationships ] . Obviously, I'm living in the right state, but I'd love to see the federal government pass a law allowing same-sex marriage.
WCT: Concerning June 20, are you nervous? Excited?
BOH: I'm definitely nervous. [ Laughs ] I've never done anything like this. I'm a musician, and play music on the streets of Provincetown in the summer; it's my second source of income. But I've never done runway. It'll be anxiety-provoking, but it'll be a lot of fun.
WCT: So you've been practicing that walk and watching America's Next Top Model?
BOH: [ Laughs ] No. I figured that being myself has gotten me this far, so why would I change anything now?
WCT: That's a great way to look at it. What can a guy do to get your attention?
BOH: One of the first things I notice is the face—eyes and a smile catch my eye. Eyes are a pretty subjective thing. Someone who has a nice smile and likes to smile catches my eye, too. I also like somebody who dresses well—not like Gucci and Prada; I just like when a guy cares about his appearance. I also find business attire very attractive.
Note: After the contest, O'Hara e-mailed, "Everyone was so much fun, we were treated very well, the entire weekend was very professional, and [ it was ] all for a good cause: Much of the proceeds go to benefit Marriage Equality and, I believe, the 'NOH8 ( No Hate ) ' campaign in [ California ] ."