The Proust Questionnaire is a fixture on the back page of Vanity Fair magazine. Who is Proust and what’s with all the questions you may ask? He’s a writer, gossip and legendary raconteur. Simply put, a gay icon. Click here for a more in-depth description of Proust and the start of his questionnaire.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Hanging with friends, talking and laughing. Sleeping in my own bed with my bills paid.
Which living person do you most admire?
The Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela and Kanye West.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Fear of the unknown, of the future and even success. I’m working on being brave.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Shoes. Clothes. Skincare products. Nights out. Fun!
On what occasion do you lie?
All the time. You simply must. I try to make them lil ones!
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
The word “no.” It has power and I’ve finally learned to use it. It’s easier to go from “no” to “yes” than from “yes” to “no.”
What is your greatest regret?
None. Why waste time & energy living in the past? Mistakes? They’ve gotten me to where I am. As far as regrets, I’m happy and have come to terms with so much.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Waking up each morning and being able to look myself in the eye is awesome. Professionally my 1st appearance on The Tyra Banks Show and hosting E!’s Perfect Catch.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My family and myself. My pal Melanie too.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Diplomacy.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“Deep?” I’d forgive others & not judge. “Fluff?” I’d have my eyes done and get a raging six-pack.
What would you change about your family?
We’d be closer. We could love each other for who we are.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Happiness and optimism in the face of the obstacles faced by African American men & gay men.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be?
The President of The United States.
If you choose what to come back as, what would it be?
A philanthropist.
What qualities do you most like in a man?
Humor, intelligence, kindness, honesty and strength.
What qualities do you most like in a woman?
Strength, self-assurance & wit.
What do you value most in your friends?
Loyalty, truth and humor.
Who are your favorite writers?
Ernest Hemingway, Kurt Vonnegut, Alex Sanchez, David Sedaris, Gregory Maguire and Dan Drown.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
I love the Little Prince, Charlie Brown, Holly Golightly and that kid from BB3. Marcellas… Yeah him.
Who are your heroes in “Real Life”?
I am my own hero.
What are your favorite names?
Marc, Nicholaus, Christian.
What is your motto?
“Be your own hero.” I also like “Do not cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
M*