Frontiers - August 2009

This article originally appears in the Summer 2009 issue of Frontiers in LA Magazine.

THE SWOON-WORTHY COVER MODEL OF OUR L.A. PRIDE ISSUE, Joey Gonzalez, is a celebrity fitness trainer and the CEO/co-owner of Barry’s Boot Camp. He’s also happily partnered (sorry, fellas!) and a committed gay rights activist. To schedule a training session with him, visit barrysbootcamp.net or e-mail joey@barrysbootcamp.com.

How did you become involved with Barry’s Bootcamp?

First as an obsessed devotee, which then evolved into a trainer, general manager, director of operations, and CEO/co-owner.

How does Barry’s differ from other gyms?

Barry’s Bootcamp attracts individuals who are ready to take life and fitness to the next level—with no excuses. The experience makes students feel they are a part of something bigger. Just like in the [military] service, humans find strength in numbers. We are energized, motivated and inspired by each other. At Barry’s Bootcamp, through hard work, commitment and various sources of accountability, participants achieve results and see their goals to completion. Being a part of this program for so many years has led to the obvious application of this philosophy into my personal and professional life.

It shows. You’re also involved in numerous nonprofit organizations. Which ones?

HRC, F.A.I.R., Courage Campaign and Point Foundation.

What do you do for them and what do you find most rewarding about your work with them?

All in all it’s an incredibly rewarding time to be an activist in this community. It’s truly a new era. We’ve let ourselves out of the closet only to find the bedroom door locked. However, we are banging down the door and will not stop until we’re out!

Recently, my efforts have been focused on No on Prop. 8 campaign contributions. “Rewarding” is a tricky word because some people associate it with success. Despite our recent losses with the state of California and the majority of its voters, I’m beyond proud of this community for coming together. We have truly mobilized and will not stop until these rights are afforded to us. I’m also impressed by how peaceful and intellectual our actions have been.

How has the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Prop. 8 affected you personally?

My partner and I made a decision not to get married when we had the chance because it felt wrong to take advantage of something so transitory. I pass no judgment on the 18,000 couples who seized the opportunity, but we just felt it was important to stand behind the movement with the highest of personal stakes. The Supreme Court’s decision effects every day of my life.

What good, if any, do you see coming from the passage of Prop. 8 and its being upheld by the court?

The passing of Proposition 8 has highlighted the importance of constitutional reform in California. Our populist controlled initiatives must be removed. California's high court ruling was very narrow, holding only that Prop. 8 was a valid amendment to the state's constitution under state law. The question of whether Prop. 8 was constitutional under federal law has been left undecided.

Are you attending the L.A. Pride festivities this year?

Of course. And we’ll even have a float in San Diego Pride.

What’s been your most memorable Pride weekend experience?

Honestly it gets better and better every year, because the meaning becomes more layered and rich. In my early 20s, Pride felt like a party with crazy people doing crazy things. But now, the event has significance and nostalgic value.