Newman said as a child, she faced a similar lack of role models in the media because of her Jewish background. When she was growing up, media influences convinced her that her family was different because they didn't put up a Christmas tree or hunt for Easter eggs, she said. Newman, a lesbian, told audience members that her parents were relatively supportive of her coming out at age 27, and because of the popularity and controversy surrounding her books, Newman has become an activist for the gay community. She also mentioned the dispute surrounding the possibility of gay marriage. She said the gay community is not limited to one image or identity.
Sexuality is something to be celebrated.
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