Who is Harvey Milk?

Harvey Bernard Milk (May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978) was more than just a gay camera store owner in San Francisco, California during the tumultuous 1970s. He was a beacon of hope for many in the LGBT community, and even today continues to inspire people of all backgrounds including LGBT Asians to “come out” and embrace their true selves.

In San Francisco, under the influence of religious conservatives, the police began to target and arrest members of the growing gay community. Facing such adversity, combined with an unexpected tax on his business, Milk felt compelled to step into the political arena. His decision to run for the City Council was groundbreaking. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, making him a significant figure for those wondering “who is Harvey Milk?”

Milk’s vision extended beyond politics. He was a trailblazer in civil and human rights, staunchly opposing discrimination in all its forms. As a fierce advocate for gay rights and equality, he became a symbol of resistance against prejudice. His legacy is such that he’s often referred to as “the most famous and most significant openly LGBT official ever elected in the United States.” Tragically, on November 27, 1978, Harvey Milk’s life was cut short when he was murdered in his office by an anti-gay colleague.

One of Milk’s most enduring messages was his call for all gays and lesbians to “come out.” This wasn’t just about personal acceptance or pride. It was a strategy to normalize being gay. By encouraging individuals to share their stories, he hoped to show families, friends, and society at large that being gay wasn’t deviant. It was a way to counteract the hate and inequality propagated by conservatives.

This message was particularly poignant during a time when figures like John Briggs in California and Anita Bryant in Florida were leading anti-gay campaigns. Briggs sought to pass a law to fire gay and lesbian teachers, while Bryant, a well-known singer and actress, used her platform to oppose homosexuality. With anti-gay sentiment on the rise, Milk’s voice was crucial in opposing such discrimination. His speeches, like the one below given in 1978, remain relevant today, especially in societies where LGBTQ individuals, including the Asian LGBT community, face prejudice.