Harvey Milk Day is celebrated on May 22 of every year. The day is celebrated in memory of Harvey Milk, a gay activist, the first elected gay politician to public office in California. Pictures of Harvey Milk and memorable quotes are often seen in the material created to promote the day. He was famous for quotes like “Hope is never silent.” The rainbow flag symbolizes gay rights and freedom of expression.
“All over the country, they’re reading about me, and the story doesn’t center on me being gay. It’s just about a gay person who is doing his job.” – Harvey Milk
History of Harvey Milk Day
On October 11, 2009, Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger established Harvey Milk Day to be held as an important observance on May 22, which is Milk’s birthday. The day is marked as a particular day of significance in schools across the United States of America. He was the first gay person to be elected to public office in California (A major city in the U.S.), serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors during 1977-78. The Political career and life of Harvey embody the rise of the LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) civil rights movement. In the office, he worked to pass the gay rights ordinance and defeat Proposition 6, generally known as Briggs Initiative, which banned the gays and lesbian guys from teaching in public schools. He encouraged the LGBT people to be visible in modern society and believed in creating social equality. In 1978, Dan White, the former colleague on the Board of Supervisors whose politics often clashed with their policy of Harvey, assassinated him.
Other Celebrations on May 22
May 22 is also celebrated as
How to celebrate the day
Celebrating the day is quite easy and very simple to remember. Several schools and educational institutions in California will conduct some commemorative projects, activities, and events to honour his efforts. Statements like equal rights will be promoted on this day. Harvey Milk Foundation will organize a series of worldwide events to commemorate the day. You can participate in those events. To express your feelings on social media about the day, you can use the hashtag #HarveyMilkDay.
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