The moment MTV’s Logo aired the premiere of Setup Squad last Monday, I quickly realized something: if any viewers are actually interested in learning more about my life, they are going to be in for some major surprises.
Indeed, many people that wish to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter are somewhat befuddled; a few have even asked through private messages if the Timothy Barello they find online is actually the same Timothy Barello they recently saw on TV.
Of course there’s also Media Life’s John Conroy, who outright questions my honesty in his review of Setup Squad:
The simplest explanation would be that Tim is an actor who is deceiving the producers or is being used by the producers to deceive us, but that possibility isn’t examined.
If we stifle our skepticism, Tim’s awkward encounters with gay men on the street and in bars are amusing. One of them insists that Tim can’t be gay because he’s “wearing khaki pants and an ugly sweater and a gold chain.”
Now, to set the record straight – no pun intended – for John and anyone else with similar thoughts: yes, I am actually gay and yes, I have also had professional acting training at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York; however, I was 100% real on camera – there was no acting at all!
Perhaps, we, as a society, can now move beyond those silly assertions about how a gay man could never portray a straight man?
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that I am a very complex gay man. I also have a great sense of humor, which is why I think it’s hysterical that I always feared being known as gay – and now that people do know, so many don’t even believe it!
There are also good reasons for why I come across as a guy who wants to be loved for his mind: I cherish the fact that I graduated from New York University, magna cum laude, five years ago this May. While I may be nerdy in some ways, I am also a New Yorker, which means I love to party and have fun just like everyone else.
My motto in life has always been work hard, party harder and I know plenty of successful professionals in this city that feel the same exact way.
Up until last year, I was very uncomfortable writing about my sexuality; slowly, but surely, this has changed and I really must thank Setup Squad for being one of the concluding acts in my metamorphosis.
On the flip side, I have independent political views that many people find “non-conformist” or “anti-establishment” and shocking as it may seem, I am actually very open to hearing others’ opinions as well. Just because I am very outspoken and energized about certain topics, it does not mean I am unwilling to accept that there are vastly different opinions worth considering also.
So, without reproducing everything I’ve ever written, the best way to sum it up is that I’ve functioned as a wannabe gay Glenn Beck these past two years on Examiner.com. Over that period, I’ve also grown a lot and now realize how divisive some of my reports have been.
I often tell people I am like the real-life George Bailey, because it’s very true. Therefore, I’ve had my moments of yelling at Mr. Potter and now I’m ready to move on.
That said, moving forward, I do not want to be viewed as someone who exists to divide others – rather, I want to be a man that unites people of all opinions and backgrounds. There is a possibility that my appearance on Setup Squad can function as a conduit for launching this improved personal mission – and I really hope it is.
When I discuss my personal life and how difficult it has been being a gay man, people warm up to me; however, when I write very opinionated articles that many people find controversial, they move away from me. Accordingly, I now see which path is the correct one for me to walk upon.
As I continue to sophisticate my approach in connecting with the public, I hope that others are willing to look past my unique beliefs and see me for the man that God created me to be. I have a great amount of love and creativity within my soul and that is what I want to show the world from hereon out.
I would like to thank everyone that made Setup Squad come to life for the opportunity to be a part of this show. This especially includes everyone at Viacom, MTV/Logo and Leftfield Pictures. I will be forever grateful for your hard work and willingness to broadcast the hopefully-loveable circus that is otherwise known as Timothy Barello.
Renee Lee and her amazing Wings – Helen Hong, Jonathan D. Lovitz, Lauretta Nkwocha and Meredith Schlosser – are Super Stars, folks. They have a fabulous season ahead and I hope that viewers continue to support the show with enthusiasm.
For those of you interested in hearing more about my newly found ability to go out and date, stay tuned! My first date ever will hopefully be this Thursday, May 5 – and it’s all thanks to my lovely Wing, Lauretta, who is the reason I met a certain gentleman recently.
Setup Squad really has set me up!
Meanwhile, dealing with me may be challenging enough, but how on earth is any suitor going to possibly make it in my circle of friends? Think Jersey Shore meets North Shore, Long Island and thanks to my guys and dolls, the word obnoxious has no meaning whatsoever.
Is it possible for this walking circus to find love and have his dream Royal Wedding one day? Let’s find out…
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