Harvey Milk Day; who was Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician in California?

Today in the United States is a celebration of one of the LGBTQIA+ movements most important historical figures; Harvey Milk Day is a celebration of the life of the one time Californian politician, who was murdered by fellow member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Dan White, on November 27, 1978.

Harvey Milk Day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and to promote equality, inclusivity, and acceptance. It provides an opportunity to educate and engage individuals in discussions about LGBTQ+ rights, activism, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for all.

The day is marked by various events, including educational programs, panel discussions, film screenings, and community gatherings. These activities often focus on sharing Milk's story, highlighting his accomplishments, and inspiring others to continue his legacy of activism. The day was officially signed into office by then Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, back in 2009.

Such has been the inspirational member of the LGBTQIA+ community that a number of documentaries and films regarding his life and his battles for civil rights for the rainbow community were released in his honour; the biggest being the film Milk - directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Oscar winner Sean Penn as Harvey Milk and ultimately netted him his second Best Actor award.

So who was Harvey Milk, and what led to his assassination that led to more widespread calls for LGBTQIA+ rights in the US political system?

Who was Harvey Milk?

Harvey Milk was an American politician and gay rights activist. He was born on May 22, 1930, in Woodmere, New York. Milk moved to San Francisco in the early 1970s and became involved in local politics. In 1977, he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, making him one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States.

During his tenure, Harvey Milk enacted impactful policies to advance LGBTQ+ rights and social justice in San Francisco. His accomplishments include the passage of the ground breaking gay rights ordinance, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Milk fought for anti-discrimination measures in employment, housing, and public accommodations. 

He also worked to hold law enforcement accountable for mistreatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, while also advocating for affordable housing and improved public transportation in underserved communities. Milk prioritised the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, pushing for educational programs and counselling services.

On November 27, 1978, former San Francisco Supervisor Dan White entered San Francisco City Hall with the intention of killing both Mayor George Moscone and Harvey Milk. While the exact motives behind the assassination are complex, there were political tensions between Dan White and his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, including Harvey Milk. White had recently resigned from his position but then sought to be reinstated. Milk and Moscone were known to be considering appointing someone else to the vacant position instead of White.

White’s defence team used the controversial "Twinkie defence," arguing that White's diminished capacity and depression were influenced by his unhealthy diet. In a highly publicised trial, White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter rather than first-degree murder, which sparked outrage and led to widespread protests known as the "White Night Riots." 

The lenient verdict and the perception of injustice surrounding the case deepened divisions within the city. However, White's conviction was not without consequences. He was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison but served only five years before being released on parole. White took his life in 1985, while the spirit of Harvey Milk has never diminished, with several memorials dedicated to his life and work still present to this day.