I went to see Milk a week ago, a new film directed by Gus Van Sant about the first openly gay man elected to political office.  It was a moving piece of cinema.  And I was surprised to find that I did not forget about it afterward (which is what happens with most movies I watch) but it keeps coming back to my thoughts in various ways.

I still find it hard to believe that this drama played out in my lifetime.  It was sobering to see the violence, discrimination and hate that so many gays and lesbians faced in those years and prior: police brutality and arrests; violence and verbal insults; the possibility of losing your job because you were gay.  I was a toddler in the late 70’s (so obviously didn’t have clue what was happening!) and didn’t come out until the late 90’s.  When I did come out, it took a while to actually claim a place in the community – to see my life and history connected to the lives of other GLBT folks.  I suppose I knew that these things happened or had heard about them, but to see documentary footage woven into the film made it especially poignant to me.  I find it hard to believe that some of my older gay friends and colleagues actually lived through this.

I was moved by the insatiable hope and ambition that seemed to motivate Harvey Milk and others in the film. He seemed to have a deep sense that a better day was coming and was willing to throw himself fully into the fray.  Despite several lost elections and setbacks, he did not give up.  Against the odds, he continued his quest for public office, sometimes at great personal cost.  And when he finally was elected, he became a beacon of hope and possibility for others even in his death.

The film left me grateful for the amazing gifts that Milk and other GLTB activists and advocates have given to our world.  Societal attitudes have changed dramatically over the past 30 years and my life is a small example.  Yes, there have been challenges and difficulties related to my sexual orientation but I have never been a victim of a crime or knowingly been discriminated against.  Thankfully, it is the same for many of my gay friends.  But there is still work to be done and this movie also left me asking, “What am I willing to do to make equality a reality for everyone?”  The recent spate of anti-gay marriage amendments in several states show us that GLBT folks are not completely welcome to make our relationships public and, even if we do, they are not honored with the same rights (and responsibilities) given to others. Whether the solution is gay marriage or civil partnerships, I’m not sure, but there is still inquality.  GLBT folks are still not welcome to serve as the spiritual leaders within many churches and religious traditions.  There are still places in this country where it is not safe to be “out”, where individuals are forced to lie or to hide this very real part of themselves.

The picture may look bleak right now but this movie was an infusion of Advent hope.  There is a day of justice and equality coming for all of God’s children.  Though the pace may be excruciatingly slow, things are getting better; the day is drawing near.  Like the film, this season also asks us what we will do to bring the Kingdom of God on earth.   Are we living with the boldness and freedom that would allow us to become the agents of change in our world?  Are we willing to serve as voices of challenge, dissent or compromise?  Will we stand with those within and outside of our community whose dignity and rights are not recognized?  There is much work to be done but thanks be to God for the hope that will strengthen and nourish us on the journey.