With a Master's degree in divinity and a bachelor's degree in criminology, Robert spent eight years in seminary. But he knew he is gay. He was only months away from ordination as a Catholic priest but knew at that moment he could not reconcile his sexuality with service in the church. Having eyed the ministry since age 12, Robert says the decision to leave was painful. Nevertheless, he explored St. John's Newfoundland gay bar and fell in love.

I always knew I was attracted to men but I never really explored it or worried about it. I walked into the door of the gay bar in St. John's for the first time in my life and looked around and saw all these guys that looked like normal people. I had no contact with the gay community before that point. I said: "My God, I'm gay. I'm gone. I'm finished". In five minutes, my life was completely changed.

The only other career option in Roberts mind was the RCMP where he saw a chance to serve gays, lesbians, bisexuals and trangenders. On the weekends, Robert would disappear, leading his troopmates to believe he was being taken care of by an older woman.

When he introduced his 24-year-old boyfriend to the troop, jaws dropped. After the initial shock, he began answering the troop's questions. For many, he was the first contact with an openly gay man. Robert is the first gay man to come out during RCMP training, and the first gay RCMP officer to continue serving after coming out.

Photo and quote source: Xtra West! Sep 19 2002 - http://www.xtra.ca/site/toronto2/archvx/body1.shtm