Harvey Milk

About

Harvey Milk was an American civil rights leader and political activist. He was the first openly gay elected official in California, winning a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. He was a passionate advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and used his platform to fight for their equal rights and visibility, making him a pioneering figure of the gay rights movement.

Harvey Milk Timeline

1930

Harvey Milk is Born

On May 22, 1930, Harvey Milk was born in Woodmere, New York.

1951

Joins U.S. Navy

Harvey Milk joined the United States Navy where he served during the Korean War.

1972

Moves to San Francisco

Milk moved to San Francisco and opened a camera store on Castro Street.

1977

Elected to San Francisco Board of Supervisors

Harvey Milk made history by becoming one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States.

1978

Assassination of Harvey Milk

On November 27, 1978, Harvey Milk was assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone by former Supervisor Dan White.

2009

Harvey Milk Day Established

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger designates May 22 as "Harvey Milk Day" in California.

2014

U.S. Postal Service Honors Milk

The U.S. Postal Service issues a Harvey Milk Forever Stamp, honoring his legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Harvey Milk birthday?

Harvey Milk, an American civil rights leader and martyr for LGBTQ rights, was born on May 22, 1930. When he tragically died from an assassination in 1978, he was 48 years old. He is best remembered as a pioneer in the LGBTQ rights movement and the first openly gay person to be elected into public office in the U.S.