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.

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.