It would be remiss to recount the life of the legendary playwright Stephen Sondheim (AJN 03/12) without also acknowledging that he was a gay man who only came out at the age of 40.
He met his partner Jeffrey Romley in 2004, whom he described as a great joy in his life. They married in 2017 and it was in his husband’s arms that he died. Although he did not have children, he said if he had his time again he would definitely have been a parent, admitting he fell victim to historical stigmas around gay men parenting.
Australian Jewish News; December 17 2021
The erasure of Sondheim’s personal life and sexual orientation is disappointing, as they are just as important as his professional achievements. Had he been married to a woman, it would have been noted along with the duration of their relationship.
Michael Barnett
Co-convenor, Aleph Melbourne
SOURCES
LGBTQ NATION: Legendary gay composer & Broadway genius Stephen Sondheim passes at 91
ABC Radio National – The Music Show: Jeremy Sams remembers Stephen Sondheim, and Braille music with Ria Andriani (42:22)