An Interview with Tyler Bieber

Tyler Bieber is a queer higher education professional based in Portland, OR. He has held roles at Clark College, National University of Natural Medicine, Linfield University School of Nursing, and Oregon School of Massage. He is currently the Assistant Registrar at Willamette University’s Pacific Northwest College of Art. Tyler holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences from The Evergreen State College and an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Portland.

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What inspired you to start writing this book?

I was inspired by a chapter of the book A Century of Teaching, Faith, and Service, James Connelly’s history of the University of Portland. The chapter, which covered the span of three presidencies between 1978 and 1990, centered around the story of Father Tom Oddo, a Holy Cross priest and unlikely pick to lead the university at just thirty-eight years old.

Before then, he was an activist and teacher: an unsung leader in the early gay rights movement with an organization called DignityUSA, and a well-regarded professor of religious studies unafraid to challenge the status quo. A rising star destined for higher station, he was tragically killed in a 1989 car accident, the impact of which leveled the university community.

The more I read, the more I wondered why Tom hadn’t had a biography written for him; the more I pondered that question, the more I convinced myself I should give it a try, even if the book was never published. Two and a half years later, I am still inspired by Tom’s story.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title Against the Current came from feedback received in a reader poll with two other options, one of which (Tom Oddo Is My Friend) I used when I originally submitted my manuscript to my publisher.

Describe your dream book cover.

The cover we’re using for the book! It’s a photo of Father Tom looking out through a telescope in the now defunct university observatory. Luis Ramos designed a beautiful cover incorporating this photo, and an equally beautiful book layout. Check out his work!

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

– Stand On The Word (The Joubert Singers)

– Have A Talk With God (Stevie Wonder)

– Heaven Is A Place On Earth (Belinda Carlisle)

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

For research and personal interest, I’ve read and listened to various theology books this year, including four by Bart Ehrman. My favorite has been Jesus: Apocalyptic Prophet of the New Millennium.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I’ve liked writing since I was very young and have only wanted to improve my skill with each project I start. One person whose writing and teachings on writing that influenced me is Kurt Vonnegut, though I don’t see a parallel between my writing and his. Nevertheless, he appears a few times in Against the Current.

Where is your favorite place to write?

In my living room, next to Charley (my partner) and Daisy (my cat).

What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?

Just start writing. If it’s a good story, it’ll keep you going. But just start somewhere.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

That Father Tom Oddo’s story mattered, as did so many other unsung heroes of the LBGTQ+ rights movement.

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