“US” was performed on February 16-18, 2006 at Consolidated Works, Seattle, Washington.

Tim Miller photo: Demian

“US” is an autobiographical solo performance about being gay in an America — an America which reserves special rights for people assumed to be straight — and demeans, and de-humanizes gay couples by denial of their relationships.

Tim reminisced about being a nine-year-old and, not only adoring Broadway musicals, but viewing them as lessons in life.

The musical show “Oliver,” he says, is about a gay boy asking for more. Tim not only wanted to be Oliver, he wanted the Artful Dodger to put his caring arm around him, and sleep three-to-a-bunk, under the watchful eye of a Fagin.

Another musical, “Hair,” provided lessons in demanding that the government stop the genocide of the Viet Nam war. It also had a song called “Sodomy,” of which he wasn’t quite sure what it meant, but knew it was for him.

At one point in the show, Tim placed his favorite LP musical show album covers on the floor in a pathway of light, and then stepping forward, walking on the covers. While the metaphor was possibly that of the albums being stepping stones to enlightenment, the act of stepping on them felt disrespectful.

Tim Miller photo: Demian

Another point of interest, was the re-enactment of his nine-year-old self standing in the warm, pink spot light before his brothers, and doing a strip tease. This did not appear to have as clear a metaphor, or purpose.

While he talked about his performance work as stripping away to get at the truth, it was not apparent how taking off his clothing revealed the truth.

The strip came toward the end of the play, after many references to stripping, so it seemed to frame the entire play as a strip tease.

If “stripping away lies, to get at the truth” was the metaphor, then it would have more impact if something more important than his genitals were revealed.

Perhaps, for some, the baring of his naked body is enough. In that case, let’s see a lot more of it.

Tim’s performance style is informal and peppy, with a fast patter and energetic movements.

Over all, the script explores seeking love, and acceptance, and finding safe haven for gay people in America.

A major point is the fact that he must leave his home in the U.S., because his 12-year relationship with Australian citizen Alistair McCartney is not recognized in any way by the government. Once his visa runs out, Alistair will be forced to leave America, and their family could be destroyed, unless they become citizens in a welcoming country.

While his rap is full of wit, jokes, and light-hearted banter, it is the seething anger running underneath — at the complete denial by the U.S. government of same-sex relationships — that holds the performance together and gives it impact.

Tim Miller photo: Demian

Tim Miller is an internationally acclaimed performance artist. His creative work as a performer and writer explores the artistic, spiritual, and political topography of his identity as a gay man. Hailed for his humor and passion, Miller has written “Live Boys” (1981-created with John Bernd), “Postwar” (1982), “Cost of Living” (1983), “Democracy in America” (1984), “Buddy Systems” (1985-created with Doug Sadownick), “Some Golden States” (1987), “Stretch Marks” (1989), “Sex/Love/Stories” (1991), “My Queer Body” (1992), “Naked Breath” (1994), “Fruit Cocktail” (1996), “Shirts and Skin” (1997), “Body Blows” (2002), “Glory Box” (1999) and “Us” (2003). Tim Miller has performed all over North America, Europe, and Japan.

Immigration Equality
350 West 31 St., #505, New York, NY 10001
212-714-2904 x25; legal@immigrationequality.org
Fights for equal immigration rights for same-sex couples, helps LGBT/HIV+ refugees fleeing persecution win asylum in the US, and works for an end to the HIV immigration ban. Resources include a pro bono asylum network and information about gay or gay-friendly immigration lawyers around the country. Chapters in many cities provide support and advocacy opportunities. Responds to queries within a week.

Freedom to Marry Global
116 West 23rd St., #500, New York, NY 10011
212-851-8418; info@freedomtomarry.org
Since the United States affirmed the freedom to marry in 2015, momentum for marriage equality has continued to surge around the world. Since then, a team of alumni from the victorious US Freedom to Marry campaign has been advising and assisting worldwide efforts.