Surprise! Surprise! Gus van Sant has been nominated for an Oscar for his film about the first gay elected official, Harvey Milk. I read in the paper today that he didn't even wake up early enough to find out first-hand if he was nominated. He is quoted as not putting much value on the vote. I think it's because he knew he would be nominated. Hell, I did! Good for him. It was a very touching depiction of Harvey Milk and it sure made me think.
I wanted to see Milk Thanksgiving day, an early premiere for those in Van Sant's hometown of Portland. We got discouraged when a friend went early in the day and reported it to be madhouse. After that, we just didn't make it until last Monday. It was such a touching, inspiring film about a man who gave it all to make change, a man who found strength in a hostile world to stand up for what was right. He was an amazing leader and I hope our gay and lesbian community can gain inspiration and courage from his example. I also hope that straight people who saw the film can gain a greater acceptance for those individuals who are different and in turn support the gay community and movement.
Timing has made me think about this film on another level. The following day, our gay mayor admitted to having sex with a teenage intern and then lying about it. He claims he did not have sex with the teenager until after his eighteenth birthday. The city is freaking out and a lot of people are demanding that he resign or we get a recall election. The mayor has not made up his mind about what to do.
I feel very torn about my position on this topic. Mayor Sam Adams is a wonderful community leader and organizer and part of me wants to stand up for him. I feel bad that his personal life had been publicly scrutinized. Part of me feels like it is none of my business who he has sex with (as long as it is legal, of course).
The other part of me wonders what Harvey Milk, Gus Van Sant and other gay activists would say? Would they agree with the position above? Would they be concerned that this act is a step backwards for gay politicians?
I wish gay leaders wouldn't have to be scrutinized and I wish Mayor Sam Adams would have stood up for himself and the gay population and told the truth.
