How You Can Milk The Oscars, Too

Milk was distributed in only 900 theaters across the country. According to the Washington Post, that's just a third of what's considered wide release. The movie never breached the Top 10 box office list, yet it was Milk's direction by Gus Van Sant, Sean Penn's almost hauntingly accurate performance and the film's historical relevance that landed it on the Oscar nod list.

I dare not attempt to unlock the mystery behind The Academy's pick process, but this year one can't deny that timing was everything. In a year where Obama-esque grassroots efforts were in and web 2.0 activism burned through internet bandwidth, Milk was sure to be considered (which it was) and destined for at least one Oscar (which it got). Sean Penn took home the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal as the now legendary Harvey Milk.

For those that are yet familiar, Harvey "Glimpy Milch" Milk, became the first openly gay man to hold a major political position in California. He began his political career in the 1970s, at a time when psychologists still considered homosexuality a mental disorder. By 1977, he had become a member of the San Francisco's board of supervisors, which many argue accelerated the modern gay rights movement.

Milk's modern day relevance was exacerbated by the crushing victory of Proposition 8 in California and similar anti-gay rights bills in Arizona and Florida. So, LGBTers, allies and nots alike can relate to the needs and motivations behind the modern LGBT rights movement.

"A film should really be judged on its ability to stand on its own, regardless of context or timing. However, it is difficult to discount the timeliness of Milk, Gus Van Sant's moving drama about the life and tragic assassination of Harvey Milk," writes Zachary Tomanelli at ImprintMagazine.com in his analysis of Milk and the Oscars 2009.

Oscars aside, Harvey Milk was one of many activists of his time. And today, there are mountains of activists and advocates in this land speaking out against injustices and inequalities. Some LGBT and equal rights activists trek the political forests, others empower LGBT people on social and cultural levels. The resources available and the number of advocates speaking out have grown exponentially. LGBT financial advice, gay and lesbian parenting, educator resources, health advocacy, relationship empowerment... Activism isn't just a critique of Capital Hill; it's diverse and all encompassing.

So, what does this have to do with you? Well, you, just like Harvey Milk and the many many others, can also speak out against injustices and inequalities. The task may seem daunting, but all it takes are a few free tools and a passion that no bigot can overcome. Here's how you can "Milk" and become an LGBT activist or advocate.

Image © Danny Nicoletta.