Who Was Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk was an American politician and the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. He served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, where he advocated for equal rights and small business interests.
Key Harvey Milk Facts
Milk moved to San Francisco in 1972 and opened a camera shop in the Castro District. He was elected in 1977 and served less than a year before he and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated in 1978. His campaigns focused on housing, childcare, and anti-discrimination protections.
Legacy and Recognition
Harvey Milk is remembered as a symbol of LGBTQ+ political empowerment. His life has been documented in books, films, and educational programs. In 2009, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Learn more about his story at the official Harvey Milk Foundation.
