How long have you been a member of Times Squares?
I was part of the 1991/92 Mainstream Class, which was taught by Howard Richman, and have been a proud and very satisfied member ever since.
Why did you join? Who convinced you?
Nobody convinced me to join and nobody dragged me to my first Open House. I knew about Times Squares because I was a member of SUNDANCE, which is a gay outdoors and hiking club, within which Times Squares originated. I was having a stressful year at work, and was looking for something FUN to do, and Times Squares provided the perfect antidote.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brooklyn. After graduating from Brooklyn College, in 1970, I moved to Soho in Manhattan, where I lived for 35 years and become involved in the Soho Arts Community. I moved back to Brooklyn (Park Slope) in 2004 (despite swearing that I would never do that), but I am now very happy that I did.
What is something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I’ve also been together with my husband, Michael Gomillion, for 21 years. But, alas, I cannot convince him to come to square dancing.
Can you tell us something about your distinguished careers?
From 1968 to 1973 I was a stage designer (scenery and costumes). From 1973 to 1983 I owned bars and restaurants in Soho, Greenwich Village and Chelsea, including a popular Cabaret. From 1984 to 1992 I was the principal of the Harvey Milk High School, the world’s first LGBTQ high school, which I founded. Then in 1993, I opened Madrigal House, NYC’s first shelter for homeless LGBTQ youth which I ran until 1998. Madrigal House was named after Anna Madrigal, a character in the Armistead Maupin “Tales of the City” books.
You also had a moment on the Silver Screen, appearing in “Trembling Before G-D” in 2001. How was that experience?
The best part of that experience was getting to participate in so many Q & A panel discussions at screenings of the film for the next 10 years.
Who inspires you?
I stand on the shoulders of many Mentors, who supported and guided me in my teens, 20s, and 30s. Now I try to repay that debt by mentoring members of a younger generation. One of those roles is as a supervisor to LGBTQ MSW students in their field placements.
What else do you enjoy beyond square dancing?
Though officially retired, I enjoy doing community service by volunteering within the LGBTQ community. I now serve on the Boards of several LGBTQ organizations. I am currently on the NYC Police Commissioner’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, as well as the boards of Stonewall Democrats, Eshel, and A Wider Bridge. But square dancing is what I do for fun and to stay sane.
What are you watching?
I’d rather Do than Watch. But speaking of watching, below is a Youtube video chronicling my gay activism. Fifty years into twelve minutes. If you like to watch, please do!
Steve and Michael married on their 16th anniversary, May 2016 
Saying farewell to Cisco and Edwardo, Cherry Grove Ferry Terminal, August 2021
