Sydney R. - Milk

The topic of LGBTQ+ rights has always been an emotionally charged topic that has created great controversy.  The interesting part is that many have the privilege of viewing this as a relatively new issue, but for those who have been fighting for their rights, this issue has lasted a lot longer than people are aware of.  The historical footage at the beginning of the movie and the mentions at the end pay tribute to the groups and individuals who spent much of their lives fighting for their equality.  This helps the audience understand that the movie was based on real events and it puts in perspective how long the fight has been going on.  I also found it interesting how, in the film, Harvey's camera store became the meeting point for the activists and many of them used the supplies to take pictures of their own.  The use of photographs to document the injustices that their people were experiencing shaped their activism style as a whole.  Harvey was always adamant about showing the public that this was a "gay issue" and not anything else.  He wanted it to be known that he and his friends were suffering.  This way of drawing attention to the gay community was helpful in that they could propose policies that directly benefit them and politicians could understand which group to target.  At the same time, it puts them in danger because of how controversial the topic of LGBTQ+ rights is.  By exposing sexual minorities, it also allows people from the other side to propose opposing policies.  

The social issues in "Milk" and "Inherit the Wind" are similar in some ways.  One argument used by people against LGBTQ+ equality is about how their kids will be affected by exposure to gay people.  This is similar to the fear that evolutionary teaching will have children start questioning God. However, both of these viewpoints ignore the fact that in restricting evolutionary and gay perspectives, they take away the freedoms of the individuals who believe in them which is not fair.  These arguments also refuse to give kids the credit that they deserve.  They are smart enough to make their own decisions about God and evolution and gay and straight people.  They will not be corrupted by being exposed to multiple perspectives.  In fact, it is oftentimes more beneficial than it is harmful.  As we read in the readings, GSAs are a great resource for gay youth to be a part of when they need support.  Additionally, having teachers that are either allies or members of the gay community themselves can be very helpful in creating a space in which gay youth feel safe.  Without these role models and resources, it can be very hard for young people to thrive and be successful in their communities.  Gay youth are at an increased risk for suicide and depression and this makes going to school and interacting with peers difficult for them.  All humans need to feel like they have a sense of belonging to something.  The restriction of LGBTQ+ rights makes it harder for them to find that belonging and live a normal, human life, which should not be something that one has to fight for.