Exactly 30 years ago, Harvey Milk led the campaign that defeated California's Proposition 6 -- the Briggs Initiative, which would have barred LGBT people from teaching in California's state schools.
Harvey Bernard Milk (May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978) was an American politician and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Milk's swearing-in made national headlines, as he became the first openly gay non-incumbent man in the United States to win an election for public office: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Briggs_Initiative
Despite being told that he would never successfully gain a political office as an openly gay man, Milk garnered the support of San Francisco's previously quiet gay population. Many outed themselves to show support for Milk. And after three failed attempts at the city supervisor seat, on his forth try he became the first openly gay office holder. Milk's famous speech opening line was "My name is Harvey Milk and I'm here to recruit you."
Amid death threats, Milk said, "If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door."
On Nov. 27, 1978, Harvey Milk was shot twice in the head by conservative and disgruntled supervisor Daniel White. Mayor George Moscone was also killed. White confessed to his crime, but was only given five years in prison plus parole. His lawyers argued that junk food caused his depression. That argument, dubbed the Twinkie defense, was later banned.
Milk's death made him a martyr. His supervisor seat was given to openly-gay politician Harry Britt. A year after Milk's death 100,000 people demonstrated for gay rights in Washington D.C. chanting "Harvey Milk Lives." He was also the inspiration for Cleve Jones' AIDS quilt and his bravery the catalyst for the modern day gay rights movement. Today, many gay social institutions are named after Harvey Milk, including The Harvey Milk School in New York City.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment