Last night, I had the unexpected pleasure of attending Milk – the movie . My new BFF David Heyward of Touching Up Our Roots, scored us passes to the screening at Atlantic Station sponsored by Creative Loafing.
For those of you not familiar with Harvey Milk, he is best described on the film’s site:
Gay Rights Activist. Friend. Lover. Unifier. Politician. Fighter. Icon. Inspiration. Hero. His life changed history, and his courage changed lives. In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into major public office in America. His victory was not just a victory for gay rights; he forged coalitions across the political spectrum. From senior citizens to union workers, Harvey Milk changed the very nature of what it means to be a fighter for human rights and became, before his untimely death in 1978, a hero for all Americans.
I love a film with history, activism, 70’s music and excellent acting, and this film has-them-all. The movie is without question inspirational and timely. Many of the issues Harvey fought for, we are still grappling with and fight for to this day. Then, it was Prop 6, a statewide proposition to fire teachers suspected of being gay along with anyone who supported them, today Prop 8. Then, it was discrimination in housing and jobs, today – the same. Then, it was mouthpieces for the hate like Anita Bryant, today it’s Sarah Palin.
This past weekend I bought a bumper sticker that reads “I can’t believe I’m still protesting this crap”. Needless to say I thought of that sentiment often during the evening.
Last night capped a trifecta of memorial services I’ve participated in over the past week. November 20th was Transgender Day of Remembrance where we read the names (31) of those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. On Sunday, I attended the SOA Vigil where the names of thousands or murdered and missing in South American were read. Last night was Milk.
As you can imagine, I’m pretty much due for some hope and celebration. So to that end, I’ll be spending time this weekend working to elect Jim Martin.
The movie is in limited release now, but will open in more theaters next Friday.
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