Passionate Struggle

If you’re planning to visit or already live in San Francisco, make sure you stop by the exhibit, Passionate Struggle-Dynamics of San Francisco’s GLBT History at 18th & Castro Street. The exhibit is presented by the GLBT Historical Society (Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans). This small satellite exhibit was created to coincide with the opening of the biopic film, Milk, about the slain San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk.

The exhibit is divided into 4 parts: People, Politics, Places and Pleasures. It takes you from the bedrooms and back rooms to the bookstores and bars, from Harvey Milk’s victories to transgender sex workers’ riots, and from social movements to secret fantasies. Some sections of this small exhibit are fun, while other sections are very emotional. The GLBT Historical Society has kleenex available.

Mr. Peacock was taken aback seeing the actual suit, shirt, tie, belt and well-worn shoes that Harvey Milk was wearing when he was gunned down by Dan White—which is included in this exhibit. It is a powerful experience, and a bit startling seeing the suit with the frayed bullet holes and huge blood stains in such close proximity. Harvey Milk had such a large personality, but I didn't realize how small his actual stature was, until seeing the small size of his suit.

The exhibit is running through October 2009, so if you’re in the neighborhood see it, or if you’re planning a trip to San Francisco include a stop to Passionate Struggle on your itinerary! You can also download a free audio walking tour, Out of the Bars and Into the Streets, about Harvey Milk here. Click here for more information about Passionate Struggle.