A pioneering LGBTQ+ journalist and author who chronicled the gay liberation movement and advocated for human rights. Known for his groundbreaking work in documenting LGBTQ+ history and struggles.
Warren Allen Smith, a renowned American writer, humanist, and gay rights activist, left an indelible mark on the world with his unwavering convictions and unrelenting passion for social justice. Dubbed the "atheist in a foxhole," Smith's remarkable life was a testament to his unshakeable commitment to his beliefs, even in the face of adversity.
Born on October 27, 1921, Smith's early life was marked by a sense of duty and service. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, serving valiantly during World War II, including the Omaha Beach landing in Normandy in 1944. Smith's defiance of religious norms began during his military service, when he insisted on having "None" instead of a religious affiliation on his dog tag.
In 1961, Smith co-founded the Variety Recording Studio, a pioneering independent company off Broadway, New York City, with his business partner and longtime companion, Fernando Rodolfo de Jesus Vargas Zamora. Smith ran the company for nearly three decades, cementing his reputation as a successful entrepreneur. His activism reached a milestone in 1969, when he participated in the Stonewall riots, a pivotal moment in the gay rights movement.
Smith's commitment to humanism and atheism led him to become a signatory of the Humanist Manifesto II in 1973 and Humanist Manifesto III in 2003. In 2015, he took control of Philosopedia, a comprehensive online resource for philosophers and a directory of prominent atheists.
Smith's literary achievements include the publication of Who's Who in Hell: A Handbook and International Directory for Humanists, Freethinkers, Naturalists, Rationalists, and Non-Theists in 2000. This seminal work received critical acclaim, including a front-page review in The New York Observer and a CNN interview with Jeanne Moos. His second book, Gossip from Across the Pond: Articles Published in the United Kingdom's Gay and Lesbian Humanist, 1996-2005, was published in 2005.
In 1985, Smith was awarded the Leavey Award by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, receiving $7,500 for his syllabus to teach Adam Smith clubs and classes in high schools.
Warren Allen Smith's remarkable life and legacy continue to inspire generations of humanists, atheists, and LGBTQ+ individuals. His unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his tireless activism have left an indelible mark on modern society.
Smith passed away on January 9, 2017, at the age of 95, but his spirit of defiance and determination will continue to inspire and empower those who follow in his footsteps.
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A Catholic priest who wrote poetry and protested war and nuclear proliferation through nonviolent civil disobedience, inspiring a generation of activists.
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