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 Okay, we admit it. We totally have a sexy Survivor fetish (cough…J.P. Calderon…cough). With our current Survivor: China cover boy, TODD HERZOG, we’ve found a handsome and wholesome role model for gay men who’s not only laugh-out-loud funny but clever, like the fox he is. The tribe has spoken!
INSTINCT: You were 15 when the first Survivor aired. Did you know that you wanted to be on the show even then?
TODD HERZOG: I knew immediately that I wanted to do the show! It was so different than anything I had seen at the time and I knew then that I would be able to express myself while testing everything about me at the same time.
What do you think of the portrayal of gay people on the previous incarnations of Survivor? And on TV in general?
I think that a lot of gay people are portrayed in a very cliché way on TV today. I wanted to show people that you can be yourself and be strong even if you aren’t big or full of muscles! I’m proud of who I am and I want people to know that.
Who were you role models growing up? Did you have any gay role models?
My mom was a huge role model growing up! She has taught me so much about who I am and how to be proud of what I’ve accomplished. I also looked up to young stars of TV. I knew that if they were able to accomplish their dreams that, someday, so would I. That’s what Survivor is to me. My dream, as cheesy as that may sound!
What was it like growing up Mormon knowing that you were gay?
It was very hard to try to block my feelings out and tell myself that I was just “going through a stage.” I grew up in a very close-minded town that isn’t open to differences in people. I was scared to let people know about me, especially because a lot of people said gay people are going to hell. It took me a long time to realize God loves me for who I am.
How was your coming out? What was the reaction from your family like?
Coming out was scary but very exciting. It’s like going on a ride, you get really nervous as you go up the big hill but when it’s over you are so pleased with yourself for riding! I knew immediately who loved me for me.
How did your friends and high school classmates take the news?
I had some friends who haven’t spoken to me since. Most of my friends, however, are still at my side stronger and more supportive than ever!
What do you say to people who say you can’t be a Mormom and be gay?
I kind of laugh them off. If they want to judge me and say what God thinks of me they can. Who’s the sinner then? The one who has accepted who he is and is proud of it or the one who is judging him?
How did you balance your faith and your sexuality when you first came out, and how do you do that now?
When I first came out I was scared to kiss a boy. I couldn’t touch him without feeling like I was guilty. I’m not afraid now to be okay with someone in a physical situation. I still try to keep my morals at a level I’m proud of. I don’t go to clubs or bars looking for an easy hookup and never have. I want to find someone that is special to me. Someone that I can be with and build a life with.
Do you remember your first kiss? What was it like?
My first kiss with a boy was my best friend of 8 years! I was spending the night at his house [as] “buddies” like I always had. We had been joking around all night and then he kissed me. At first I was shocked and scared but so excited at the same time! I was visibly shaking because it was “such a sin.” I freaked out, made him stop then started back up ten minutes later! It was great!
We’ ve heard you love the Spice Girls: what are your “top three” reasons why? Will you see them on their world tour?
I do love the Spice Girls! [Laughs] Three reasons? Probably 1.) They were the first CD I ever bought in sixth grade. 2.) I dance and sing along to their oh-so-bubbly lyrics, and 3.) I loved their platform shoes! I am seeing them on tour for the first time ever! Once in L.A. and once in Vegas—I am so excited!!
What’s your favorite—and least favorite—part of being a flight attendant?
I love to travel. Seeing new places is awesome. You also get to meet some amazing people on airplanes. People with stories and experiences that just make me smile. The worst part of the job is being gone. I spent last Christmas alone in a hotel in Chicago. That was a bummer.
What is the flight attendant protocol when you discover snakes on a plane?
Grab your ankles and kiss your ass goodbye!! [Laughs]
Are you a member of the Mile-High Club. And, if not, why not?!?
I am not. Have you seen how small those bathrooms are?! I mean, c’mon really. But I’m not saying I’ll never become a member!
With Survivor you went to China, and with your job you do a lot of traveling. Where would you most want to travel to next and why?
I would love to see South Africa. I’d love to experience the culture and see the amazing sights. I’d also love to backpack Europe. That may sound cliché but I’m planning a trip there with some friends next summer. It’ll be amazing.
You’re allergic to cats, rabbits and shrimp. How in the world did you find out you were allergic to rabbits?
It’s funny really. I had a friend who had a ton of pet rabbits. I would go to his house and hold his rabbits and wonder why the hell my eyes would swell up. I thought it was grass seeds or something…good job, Todd. [Laughs]
Can you think of any trait in a potential boyfriend that you would be allergic to?
Uh, don’t be clingy. That makes me sick! If I’m in a relationship I’m going to be honest. Don’t be overprotective or I’ll get over you really quick.
What’s your dating life like? Are you single?
I am actually dating someone right now. He’s a great guy with a huge heart! He makes me smile more and more every day!
What’s your ideal guy like?
A guy that is honest, smart, has goals and a great smile! I don’t need much, but be there for me—be my boy!
What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?
I got taken on a date to a CD store once. It was awful. The guy didn’t even talk unless he found some cool import that I could have cared less about! Plus, who takes someone to a CD store for a date. Really now?
What’s your family’s wackiest holiday tradition?
Around December 5th each year my mom has all the kids home to decorate. We all argue and fight and it can be really boring, but she turns on the Christmas music and busts out the egg nog—which I love—and we decorate the entire house with the same decorations we’ve had for years. I’m always in charge of the window cling stuff…making a big Christmas scene.
Anything else you’d like to say to your fans or young gay men still struggling with coming out of the closet?
To anybody who is afraid to come out, just remember that you are who you are for a reason. You will one day realize that you will make a difference in someone’s life. The people who truly love you will still be there for you no matter what. Yes it’s scary, but it will be for sure worth it in the long run. Never give up on accomplishing your goals or beliefs because I promise they can come true! They did for me!
INSTINCT INQUIRES
Fill in the blank: I’m sexiest when…
…I’m singing at the top of my lungs in my car.
Who rules your iPod? Or, better stated: What song do you scream at the top of your lungs when you hear it?
I belt it out to almost every song, but I get really crazy for Panic! At the Disco, Britney and the Spice Girls. I also love singing to the Aladdin soundtrack, as ridiculous as that may seem.
If you were going to party with Britney Spears for a night would you wear underwear?
I would try to make a great entrance out of a car so you could see my underwear, only they’d be black with huge white letters spelling “censored” over my crotch.
What is your dorkiest hobby?
I have a lot of dorky hobbies, everything from collecting Disney movies and Starbucks mugs, to ’80s dancing in full costume!
Jeff Probst: Hot or Not?
Totally HOT! How could he not be?!
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For Todd's issue—or any other back issue— order online here!
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Instinct Online 
written by Imprtnrd on December 05, 2007
Good luck Todd and you are one HOT guy!
written by Pete Pryfogle on December 05, 2007
Dudes, I use to scan right by Survivor before I caught Todd on the beach with the women. Great Dude and seems like he has a good mind on his shoulders!
...maybe related, or not, but I sure would like to get my head in one of those "faux fur hats (page 67)"
Woof!
written by Davito on December 05, 2007
Todd Todd Todd.... I seriously cant believe that you are here at this point in your life! Who knew that my only friend, that nerdy seventh grader who put on huge docs and had flowy orange hair would be on the cover on a magazine!!!! haha, i love it... congrats todd, Im really happy for you
written by meredith74 on December 11, 2007
Todd is the cutest! Love this guy his definitely going places.
http://retailsecrets.blogspot.com
written by tsk on December 16, 2007
After the ten year anniversary of instinct, you'd think there would finally be more racial diversity. Yet here's yet another white gay guy on the cover. It's always a white guy getting the coveted cover spot. It never changes for the gay magazines. Minorities are always relegated to the background. After the tenth year anniversary, it's still the same. No progress whatsoever.
written by Rubbles on December 16, 2007
who cares if you are gay. do you care if im straight?
written by Barefoot on December 17, 2007
They must have known something.. He won!
written by lexii on December 17, 2007
yea who cares if hes gay
hes so HOT
written by Steve Perkins on December 18, 2007
Congratulations on the win Todd! You rock!
written by bowling_aj on December 20, 2007
congratulations Todd. Survivor not only has a total Hottie as a winner, but also a very intelligent winner as well. Loved watching every week on the show and i hope you enjoy that trip in the summer with your friends!
written by nay on December 21, 2007
I love you Todd!!!!! (:
written by Charmain on December 31, 2007
Congrats Todd you Are so hot who cares if your gay love you lol
written by Todd Wilson on February 01, 2008
you won one for the little guys, bravo! from one Todd to another...you rock!!
written by Alan Sheldon on February 09, 2008
you're the best survivor ever todd! i'm the same age as you and started watching survivor from the beginning too, good luck for everything you do in the future!
written by alecs on May 15, 2008
you rock Todd, you're the best and you're very hot too. I'm 15 and i think I'm gay so you inspire me. Good luck in the future