Guest holds a Master's Degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Political Science from Furman University (South Carolina).

Michael Guest was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to Romania on September 18, 2001 and took up his duties on September 24, 2001. A 20-year career veteran of the U.S. diplomatic service, Mr. Guest has specialized in European affairs. His expertise is concentrated on security policy, including NATO, and on strengthening civic society and the rule of law.

The United States' new openly gay ambassador to Romania, Michael Guest, has been greeted in Bucharest with "homophobic hysteria," Britain's The Guardian reported.

Romanian newspapers reported Guest's sexual orientation in banner headlines and the nationalist Union of the Romanian Hearth called his appointment an "affront to Romanian traditions," the newspaper said.

Officially, the government warmly welcomed Guest. Romanian political leaders believe his particular areas of expertise will speed the nation's entry into the European Union and NATO.

In Washington, Romania's ambassador to the U.S., Sorin Ducaru, told the Washington Times: "This was no surprise to the Romanian government. This is a non-issue. He is a highly respected diplomat, and we knew he would come with his partner. Knowing Ambassador Guest, I very much appreciate his character and his great professionalism."