Harvey Milk
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| Harvey Milk at Castro Street Fair, June 1978.jpg Milk at the Castro Street Fair in 1978 | |
Harvey Bernard Milk (May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978) was an American politician and the first openly gay elected official in the history of California, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Despite his short career in politics, Milk became an icon in San Francisco and a martyr in the LGBT rights movement.
Early life[edit | edit source]
Milk was born in Woodmere, New York, to Lithuanian-Jewish parents. He attended Bay Shore High School and later graduated from the University at Albany with a degree in mathematics.
Career[edit | edit source]
Milk served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and later worked as a teacher, stock analyst, and production associate for Broadway musicals. In 1972, he moved to San Francisco, where he opened a camera store on Castro Street.
Political career[edit | edit source]
Milk's political career began in earnest in 1973 when he ran for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Although he lost, he continued to build his political base. In 1977, he won a seat on the Board, becoming the first openly gay elected official in California. Milk's tenure was marked by his advocacy for LGBT rights, affordable housing, and public transportation.
Assassination[edit | edit source]
On November 27, 1978, Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by Dan White, a disgruntled former city supervisor. Milk's death sparked widespread outrage and led to the White Night riots.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Milk's legacy endures through various memorials, including the Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco and the annual Harvey Milk Day in California. He has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, including the 2008 film Milk, which won two Academy Awards.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
- LGBT rights in the United States
- San Francisco Board of Supervisors
- Dan White
- George Moscone
- White Night riots
- Harvey Milk Plaza
- Harvey Milk Day
Categories[edit | edit source]
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- Use mdy dates from October 2023
- 1930 births
- 1978 deaths
- American LGBT politicians
- Assassinated American politicians
- California Democrats
- San Francisco Board of Supervisors members
- LGBT rights activists from the United States
- People from Woodmere, New York
- University at Albany, SUNY alumni
- United States Navy personnel of the Korean War
- American people of Lithuanian-Jewish descent
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
