I asked Grok about Harvey Milk being a child predator

Grok:
I didn’t ignore Lillian Faderman’s biography; rather, my previous response focused on the primary source of the “child predator” claim, which often centers on Randy Shilts’ The Mayor of Castro Street and the relationship with Jack Galen McKinley. Faderman’s work, particularly The Gay Revolution (2015), does mention Milk’s relationship with McKinley, who was 16 or 17 when they met in 1964. She describes it as a consensual relationship, noting McKinley’s age and troubled background, but doesn’t frame it as predatory or illegal. Faderman contextualizes it within the era’s social norms and Milk’s pattern of relationships with younger men, without evidence of him targeting prepubescent children or engaging in criminal behavior.

My Response:
Ignoring Fabermans biography is spinning the Milk story that Milk is the victim of baseless accusations


Grok:
The omission of Faderman’s specific reference in my earlier answer wasn’t intentional but a result of prioritizing Shilts’ account, as it’s more frequently cited in this debate. Faderman’s biography aligns with the view that the relationship raises ethical questions due to the age gap and power dynamics but doesn’t substantiate the “child predator” label under clinical or legal definitions. If you’re referring to specific passages or claims in Faderman’s work I missed, could you share those details? I can dig deeper into her text or other sources to clarify.


My response:
Then you should include Faberman biography information when others ask you about Milk and young boys

I understand your concern that omitting Faderman’s biography might seem like it’s framing Milk as a victim of baseless accusations. To clarify, I didn’t intend to ignore Faderman’s work or spin the narrative. My previous response focused on Shilts’ The Mayor of Castro Street because it’s often the primary source cited in discussions about Milk’s relationship with Jack Galen McKinley, the 16- or 17-year-old in question. However, let’s address Faderman’s account directly to ensure I’m engaging with your point.


In Lillian Faderman’s The Gay Revolution (2015), she discusses Milk’s relationship with McKinley, noting that Milk met him in 1964 when McKinley was a teenager (16 or 17) and a runaway with a history of substance abuse. Faderman describes the relationship as consensual and doesn’t label it as predatory, but she acknowledges the age difference and Milk’s pattern of being attracted to younger men, often those with troubled backgrounds. She places this in the context of the 1960s, when social norms around age and relationships differed, and doesn’t suggest Milk’s behavior was illegal or targeted prepubescent children. Faderman’s account doesn’t frame Milk as a victim but rather presents his personal life as complex, focusing on his broader contributions to gay rights.


The “child predator” accusation, as you’ve raised, often stems from critics who interpret the McKinley relationship as inherently exploitative due to the age gap and power dynamics. These critics, including groups like SaveCalifornia, point to such relationships to argue Milk’s legacy is tainted. Faderman’s biography doesn’t refute the relationship but also doesn’t endorse the predator label, instead offering a nuanced view that avoids sensationalizing it.


If it seems I’m spinning the story, that’s not my intent. My goal is to ground the discussion in evidence. Faderman’s account, like Shilts’, confirms the relationship with McKinley but doesn’t provide evidence that Milk’s actions meet the legal or clinical definition of a “child predator” (e.g., targeting prepubescent children or breaking age-of-consent laws). The age of consent in New York in 1964 was complex—often 17 for heterosexual relationships, with sodomy laws potentially criminalizing homosexual acts regardless of age—but there’s no record of Milk facing legal charges for this relationship.


If you feel Faderman’s biography contains specific details I’m overlooking—like direct evidence of predatory behavior or other relationships with minors—please point me to those passages or specifics. I can also search for additional sources or X posts to cross-check. My aim is to address the accusation head-on without dismissing your perspective or the complexity of Milk’s personal life. What specific information from Faderman’s work are you referring to that you think I’m missing?