Reverend V. Gene
Robinson's Big Moment

In 2003, Reverend V. Gene Robinson became the first openly gay man to be elected a bishop in the Episcopal Church. Controversy followed, and while conservatives warned of a divide between the Episcopal Church and its worldwide body, the Anglican Communion, Robinson became a heroic figure and household name among gays -- a sign that the relationship between church and gay might one day shift.

Today, Robinson is taking center stage yet again -- he's been invited to deliver the invocation for President-elect Barack Obama at a pre-inauguration event at the Lincoln Memorial. Some gay activists say it was a step in the right direction for Obama, who alienated many of his gay supporters with his selection of conservative pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation on inauguration day. Others are still on the fence about Obama, who speaks of wanting equality for all Americans but has often found himself aligned with antigay religious figures.

On the eve of his appearance, Robinson sat down with Advocate.com's James Hattori for a one-on-one interview -- and a look back at the long, uphill journey that brought him to where he is today.

Also, take a look back at the first time The Advocate interviewed Reverend V. Gene Robinson -- back in 2003 for the magazine's cover.