Expert

Tim Miller, gay performer and activist, 943 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. (310) 479-4396

Acclaimed solo performer Tim Miller has been prominent in gay rights since he successfully sued the federal government in 1990. The National Endowment for the Arts revoked his grant on grounds that his work about the gay community was indecent, but the Supreme Court ruled that his work had social, educational and artistic value. Since then, Miller has produced work highlighting the lack of immigration rights in same-sex partnerships. This problem hits close to home for Miller: he and his longtime Australian partner, Alistair McCartney, will leave the country in 10 months when McCartney’s visa expires. If Miller and McCartney were allowed to marry, U.S. citizenship would be granted to McCartney. When he isn’t lobbying for gay rights legislation in Washington D.C., Miller travels the country, performing autobiographical monologues on the issue. I believe that Miller is relevant because he has devoted his life for the advancement of gay and lesbian rights. His most recent project, a petition supporting gay marriage, has already received thousands of signatures. Miller also plans to testify before Congress.