Never Let Him Go

Do NOT miss "Never Let Him Go." It is a brilliantly made documentary of profound emotional power. As a gay man who somehow survived the 1980s, I look upon the murder of this young gay man as the fate I narrowly escaped. The film yanks the veil of secrecy off the Sydney police, with their code of indifference and silent contempt towards gay men. The perseverance of the victim's brother, Steve Johnson, is astonishing, pushing to find answers for 33 years. Yes, joining Steve on his long painful journey is a slog, but stick with it. The resolution is well worth the time it takes to reach. Even today, as gay men, we remain vulnerable, easily crushed by a toxic brew of self-righteousness, ignorance and hate. We survive only when courageous straight people have our backs. I ask you to be inspired by Steve Johnson. If you have a gay friend or relative, I ask that you stick with him when he needs you most. I ask that you never let him go.