Milk Film Opens at Castro

originally posted 8/28/08: Dateline: The Castro, 429 Castro Street, where Mister SF finds a neighborhood busy with preparations for the star-studded premiere of the Harvey Milk biography film, “Milk,” directed by Gus Van Zant. The giant Sean Penn banner covering the front of the theatre is like a ghost over the neighborhood. Not a spector, like Proposition 8, but a looming reminder of the same, and a warning unnoticed. I run into that ubiqutous drag queen, in civilian clothes and no makeup. It’s these times when I don’t what to call him. “Hi Glen…da?” “Are you doing anything for this?” he asks me. “No. I’ve been too busy campaigning against Prop 8.” “Oh, I hear that’s gonna pass,” he says in a flat tone that’s become familiar but one I’ll never get used to from gays in this community. It is a distinct allargando, a growing din, broad and dull with self-loathing. “Let’s hope not,” says I, “You’ve got to get out there and talk to everyone you know.” “Okay,” he says, “Well, I’ll send you tickets to my show so you’ll have a reason to email me.” Never blend in.