Today would have been Harvey Milk’s, the first openly gay man elected to office, 79th birthday. On the North Lawn of the Capitol Senators Mark Leno and Christine Kehoe, and Assemblymembers Tom Ammiano and John Perez celebrated the day with birthday cake and milk.
I’m sure words were said and for some there, memories recalled of Mr. Milk, who he was, how he was, and what he meant to so many people’s lives. I would have liked to have been there for that but sadly I was stuck behind a desk working on bill analyzes. The event started at 11:30am, I didn’t make it until after 12:30pm, missing all of the speeches, but coming upon a small crowd of 25-40 people sharing their thoughts on the man, and a two reporters covering the event. I had a slice of cake and drank down a school cafeteria sized carton of milk and listened to people reminisce
I really don’t know much about Mr. Milk. All I know is that he was killed while still in his prime. But, I admire the man for his bravery and acknowledge the place he holds for those in the LGBT rights movement. Mr. Milk took big steps towards ending the stigma, prejudice, and that LGBTs have faced for years. If you want to learn more about Harvey Milk a good place would be the Wikipedia page on him, here or you could rent the just released movie about him, literary types can check out his biography.
For more images from the event you can click here.
