Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) is in New York city in the 1970's, living a life which seems too hectic, and far from fulfilling. Harvey's partner Scott Smith (James Franco) is supportive of his lover, and when Harvey has a bit of a crisis at turning 40 , the two decide to relocate in search of acceptance and, hopefully, a purpose. They move to San Francisco and open a small business in a tightly knit little neighborhood. Harvey soon becomes an integral part of his local Castro community, and becomes an advocate for positive change. When the neighborhood is newly zoned and representatives are elected, Harvey decides he's found his purpose: he enters the political race. He becomes the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the United States. He's able to accomplish a great deal of positive change and becomes a local hero.