Rod Stephens' Biography

Rod Stephens, the title winner of Mr. Pride South Florida, Mr. Fort Lauderdale, and Mr. Red Hot U.S.A. was born in Nairobi, Kenya as a missionary kid of fundamentalist Christian parents. He grew up near San Diego, where he taught Bible study and led prayer meetings at his public high school. Religion continued to play a role in his education when Stephens received his Bachelor of Science degree with honors in telecommunications from the famous fundamentalist Oral Roberts University.

"The greatest challenge of my life was to accept myself as a gay man when I had been brought up to believe that being gay is unnatural, among other things. Although my family remains completely unsupportive after 17 years of knowing my sexual orientation, the dignity and strength that I’ve gained from self-acceptance has been invaluable."

Since reconciling his sexuality Stephens has embraced his exhibitionist side and performs for both gay and straight house parties. “When I’m performing as a dancer, I get into character,” Stephens says. “I am a completely different person performing than when I’m not. It’s all about fantasy.”

Stephens also works in television production, and lives with his partner of six years in Fort Lauderdale.