“You gotta give ’em hope.”
Those words were spoken more than 30 years ago by activist Harvey Milk.
Today is Harvey Milk’s birthday, and I see it only fitting to reflect on what he accomplished and what we owe this brave man.
Harvey gave hope to a generation. He blew open the closet doors in 1976 as one of the nation’s first openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elected officials. He inspired people to believe that equality could be achieved by living our lives openly and honestly.
Harvey gave hope to a generation. He blew open the closet doors in 1976 as one of the nation’s first openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elected officials. He inspired people to believe that equality could be achieved by living our lives openly and honestly.
To honor the late activist and hero, the California Assembly voted to approve a bill that would establish May 22 of every year as Harvey Milk Day in California, commemorating Harvey’s birthday. Assembly Bill 2567, authored by Assemblymember Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, would encourage public schools to share Harvey’s story and his dream of a California – and nation – that embraces all of its people, without exception. The bill has passed the Assembly and is now working its way through Senate committees. If Harvey were alive today, he would be right here with us, celebrating our victory for marriage. And he would be fighting with us as anti-LGBT groups attempt to take marriage away from our families.
In 1978, Harvey led an impressive campaign to defeat an initiative that would have prevented LGBT people from teaching in public schools. It was a turning point in our movement.Once again, we are at a pivotal point in California. We need to follow in the footsteps of Harvey, who showed us that it takes an entire community to fight for, and achieve, equality.
In his day, Harvey had the support of President Jimmy Carter and former Gov. Ronald Regan to defeat the discriminatory initiative that would have prevented LGBT people from teaching in our schools. Thousands of gay men and lesbians came out to their families and friends at home - and in their workplaces and churches. They knocked on doors to have important conversations about fairness. Together, they defeated the initiative.
Today, LGBT Californians also have amazing support. We have Gov. Schwarzenegger’s pledge to defeat the initiative. The leadership of the LGBT legislative caucus in Sacramento. And heroes in cities across the Golden State, including Mayors Gavin Newsom, Antonio Villaraigosa and Jerry Sanders. We are not alone.
And we have you. Moms and Dads, brothers and sisters, partners, friends and volunteers who, during the next six months, will spend hours talking to people about what marriage means to them. Your passion fuels our work.
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