Newfeld is an ally of the community, having support numerous gay-rights efforts and gay candidates for office.

Her first involvement was as an artist- craftsmen in the first Chicago showing at an old town gallery which was a meeting place for gay arts. She heard the horror stories. As a political activist she supported Grant Ford when he ran for alderman in the 1970s. Newfeld was an aldermanic candidate and openly supported gay rights. She lobbied Harold Washington's Womens Commission to include a lesbian activist, the late Sarah Craig. Most recent she backed the campaign of Sherry Pethers for judge. Newfeld has lived in Lakeview for 44 year. She had
two children; one daughter Julie Newfeld, is living.