When Geoffrey Newman arrived as the new Dean of the Arts at Montclair State University, he quickly discovered a culture shaped by fear, resentment, and open hostility. Confronted with racism and homophobia—even graffiti filled with hateful slurs—he chose a different response. Rather than reacting with anger, he set out to rebuild trust through listening, compassion, and community.

Growing up as a gay Black man, I learned early what it meant to live in a world shaped by fear, anger, and prejudice. But the lessons passed down by my parents, my community, and the Black church taught me another path—one rooted in compassion, dignity, and love. In this essay, I reflect on how confronting hatred without surrendering to it became a defining lesson in my life.

Geoffrey Newman shares a note of appreciation for the Gay & Lesbian Review, a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to LGBTQ history, culture, and politics.

When his husband faced life-threatening illness, Geoffrey Newman discovered the power of community—from friends, family, and even strangers.

A quiet night in a crowded bar. A moment of hesitation. A spark that couldn’t be ignored. In this guest reflection, Edward Snyder recalls the night he first saw Geoffrey Newman — “the golden man from the track lighting’s effect” — and the spontaneous decision that led to a conversation, a connection, and ultimately a life together. More than five decades later, that moment still shines.

Geoffrey Newman opens up about the defining moments that led him to write Better to Cry Now and the lessons he’s learned through love, loss, and acceptance. In this intimate reflection, he discusses finding self-confidence, confronting painful memories, and learning that the courage to be vulnerable is the true source of strength. His story offers inspiration for anyone seeking authenticity and purpose.

In Better to Cry Now, Geoffrey Newman reflects on the lifelong pursuit of self-acceptance and the courage to live authentically. Through the lens of theater and art, he explores how creativity, resilience, and love shape a life defined by purpose and truth.

I recently wrote an essay about Fear , Anger , Hate , the Destroyer of the Soul . The responses to this piece surprised me how it...

I woke up this morning with a thought on my mind, the misunderstood, the misinterpretation and the misuse of the word “diversity.” It...