Stretched out comfortably in the red leather chair, cowboy-booted feet splayed out in front of him, Rod Jackson smiled the kind of chiseled smile that makes fashion photographers swoon.

But it's more than just Jackson's breathtaking smile that is making the country swoon -- it's his marriage.

On July 22, 1989, Jackson married bodybuilder Bob Paris in a traditional California church ceremony. While the marriage is not legally recognized -- no state in the country legally accepts gay marriages -- Paris and Jackson travel the country preaching tolerance and equal rights.

The duo have even appeared on such programs as "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Donahue" and "The Joan Rivers Show" to promote their cause.

"You're fighting for the right for privacy when you're fighting for gay rights," Jackson said.

Paris, who has held the Mr. Los Angeles, Mr. America and Mr. Universe bodybuilding titles, and actor/model Jackson spoke about human rights issues last night to more than 450 people crowded into Schwab Auditorium. The program's sponsors included Colloquy and the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance.

When Paris and Jackson met, they said, it was love at first sight. But since they weren't completely secure about their sexual orientations -- neither came out publicly until his early 20s --it took five years before they sought a marital commitment.

"I began to feel like a person who was looking in the window of someone else's house," Paris said about his life before he accepted his homosexuality.

Jackson and Paris urged the audience to fight homophobia and other forms of oppression by breaking down myths and stereotypes.

Although he has received much support from his colleagues, Paris said homophobia is common in the sport due to the "macho" image of many bodybuilders.

"What would be a career that wouldn't be homophobic? My sport simply reflects society in general," Paris said.

Paris and Jackson said they are working to have their surnames legally changed to Jackson-Paris. The two also said they hope to adopt a child.

Audience reactions ranged from subdued support to great enthusiasm.

"I thought they'd kind of be all over each other," said Janine Barsoum (sophomore-biology). "But they acted very professionally -- they definitely opened my mind."

Eric Berta (senior-health policy administration) applauded the couple's approach to the discussion, describing them as "active but not activists."

"They weren't like, 'We're here! We're queer! Get used to it! Rah! Rah! Rah!' " Berta said.