Sam Adams Speaks
to Out.com

Sam Adams made history when he became the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city, taking the reins of Portland, Ore., in January. Unfortunately, Sam Adams made bigger headlines when he admitted, just days after he took office, to having had a sexual relationship with a teenager while he was city commissioner in 2005, an allegation that he had denied while running for office. Days later, Adams sat down with Out.com to tell his side of the story.

In the interview, Adams admits that he regrets having been up-front about the entire situation.

"I had the option to say, It's none of your business," he says. "I should have said exactly that. I made the mistake of thinking no one would believe me... I work hard to meet and exceed high expectations. In this particular instance, in my personal life, I didn't, and I've been very up-front about that. But I think the expectations people have for their elected officials are good, even if we don't or can't always meet them."

Adams's relationship with Beau Breedlove remains under investigation pending allegations that their relationship began when Breedlove was a minor, though both say that he was 18 when they slept together. Adams also admitted that the relationship was improper, saying, "I think the difference in age and the fact that I was an elected official made it inappropriate."

Despite pressure to resign, Sam Adams has decided to stay in office, saying his priority is what's best for the city. Still, Adams understands that he has left many upset.

"I totally understand why they're angry. I've let them down. I'm very, very sorry for that. I made a bad decision. And the best thing I can do right now is to work at trying to make amends by serving the people of Portland the best I can." (Rhiza Dizon, Advocate.com)