This Friday, May 22nd, we all honor the legacy of Harvey Milk.
Celebrating the life of the first openly gay politician in California is important for everyone, not only LGBTQI+ people. Milk was one of the leaders of the American Civil Rights Movement. He is also one “The 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century” according to TIME Magazine.
Milk was not only an advocate for the LGBT community, but for all minorities.
We recognize his tremendous efforts to build a safe and strong environment for all people.
He supported public education, affordable childcare, and equal rights for everyone.
First elected as San Francisco city supervisor, he held office for only one year before his life was abruptly cut short in 1978 by a political rival who opposed Milk’s liberal views.
Milk’s contributions to the fight for equal rights have been recognized with a posthumous awarding of the Medal of Freedom as well as the creation of a holiday in his memory which was officially signed into law in 2009.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HARVEY MILK DAY
Harvey Milk sacrificed his life for the cause
Harvey Milk risked his life the moment he decided to push for equality. As a gay politician, he had multiple death threats. As San Francisco city supervisor, he fought against a state-wide initiative that discriminated against LGBT+ people teaching in public schools. Harvey Milk won that battle and formed the Castro Village Association, which became a model for other LGBT communities in the United States.
Milk believed that every person is important
Harvey Milk thought that every person was important and valuable thus needed government representation. He promoted diversity in government, assuring that people saw themselves represented across all branches of government. He truly believed in a government by the people, of the people and for the people.
The fight for equality is not over
Harvey Milk ran on a platform of equal rights for everyone regardless of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, or race. Although the society made momentous gains since, there are still many gaps. The fight for equality for which Harvey Milk gave his life remains as relevant today as in 1978.
HOW TO OBSERVE HARVEY MILK DAY
Fly a rainbow flag
The rainbow flag promotes the social and political causes of the LGBTQ+ people. The flag was created in 1978, by Gilbert Baker. However, Baker revealed that Harvey Milk is actually the one who urged him to create a symbol of pride.
Read Milk’s speech “Hope”
Harvey Milk gave his famous “Hope” speech when he announced his candidacy. He also gave an extended version during the Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco. He always knew he was fighting a difficult battle for equality and rights for LGBTQ+ people. Milk believed that “Hope is never silent”.
So, this Friday, May 22 we remind everyone that TAIMI is here for you, regardless of where you identify on the sexuality and gender spectrum.
The world’s first LGBTQI+ social network and dating app provides all its users with a safe and secure space to join custom groups, create posts, and share their stories.
TAIMI also has a video call feature that will keep you stay connected with the friends you make on the app.
We are here for you, we support you, we love you!
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TAIMI marks Harvey Milk Day was originally published in Taimi on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
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