Leave It to Cleve

Leave It to Cleve: Equality activist Cleve Jones speaks in Salinas. Nic Coury

Equality activist Cleve Jones speaks in Salinas.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

"How many people have seen [Milk]? Well, I really was that cute!" says Cleve Jones, referring to his portrayal by Emile Hirsch in Gus Van Sant's 2008 biopic about the openly gay San Fransisco Supervisor in the 1970s.

Jones, a gay and equal rights activist, spoke to a crowd of about 80 at the Salinas Center for Change Wednesday night. Spectators included community members and leaders of local activism group chapters like the Central Labor Council, American Civil Liberties Union, Young Democrats and others.

"I've wanted my whole life to see a rooms full of all people—gay, straight, black, white, young and old—together [for change]," says Jones, who shared stories about being a gay teenager, meeting Milk and becoming an activist. "He was probably the most important thing that happened to me in my life."

Jones says the biggest challenge facing equality movements nowadays is how to make activism productive.

"If you think you're going to win [political races] by airtime or virtual petitions, you're wrong," he says. "We have to take the fight out to the people. All of you have to take to the streets, and every morning you have to seek out opportunities for change."

Chris Fitz, a community organizer for UNITE HERE local 483, agrees. "We have to work together," he says. "Organized labor is a vehicle for fairness and justice for everyone."

The passion Jones has for his work is very personal. "People thank me for the work I do, but I'm the most selfish queen I know!" he says. "I love what I do and I find it a privilege."