Citizen Kurt’s Dirty Dozen: Ben Gomez
Ben served in the U.S. Navy during Operation Desert Storm. He was also part of United Nations’ humanitarian efforts during the Bosnian conflict during his 11-year career in the armed forces. Currently, he serves as Board President of Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol and is actively involved in countless other community organizations and non-profit agencies including: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, American Veterans for Equal Rights and the San Diego LGBT Community Center, among others. Gomez became a paralegal in 1998 and previously served in that capacity for the U.S. Attorney’s office in San Diego.
I first met Ben via Facebook and we’ve hung out a few times at my favorite place Baja Betty’s (where else.) I hope that Ben and I continue to build our newfound friendship. He’s definitely an asset to anyone’s rolodex, as well as our community. Go Ben!
1) Whats the Most embarrassing situation you have ever been in? Not expecting my friends to throw me a surprise 40th birthday party. It was totally unexpected. I loved it, though.
2) If you could banish a single person to a deserted island for life, who would it be and why? President George W. Bush. Poor leadership that crumbled our nation for eight years.
3) Whats your favorite movie of all time? Don’t have a specific one, but I’m a huge fan of Gone With the Wind, Sound of Music and Titanic. There’s many more.
4) If you could spend the day at Disneyland with 3 people living or dead, who would you pick? Jeff Redondo, Kathy Griffin and Seth Wellington.
5) Whats your favorite word? The “F” word: Free
6) If you could trade lives with anyone for 1 week, who would it be and why? George Clooney. The guy is a stud. He has plenty of vacation homes and great buddies. But most of all, he uses his noteriety for the good for the disadvantaged and victims of hate and prejudice.
7) What is your best attribute/characteristic? Hmmm, not sure. I guess I’m friendl…you’d have to ask my friends. :-)
8) What prominent GLBT personality do you admire? That’s easy, Dr. Delores Jacobs. She’s the most intelligent, professional leader in our community. I’m constantly in awe of her tremendous knowledge, accomplishments and all that she does for the San Diego LGBT community.
9) What is your “must see” TV? Glee. Gossip Girl. Cake Boss. Real Housewives of Atlanta.
10) If you could recommend one book for people to read, what would it be? I can’t, seriously. There’s just too many!
11) If you could pick any profession other than your own, what would it be? Easy, elementary school teacher. I love watching kids grow and learn!
12) What is your favorite quote? “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
