#SHAREOURHISTORY: Harvey Milk
Milk was an American politician and became the first openly gay elected official in the history of California in 1977. Even though he was the most prominent pro-LGBT politician of his time, he only became more open regarding his sexuality and civically active after turning 40.
Milk moved from New York City to the Castro District of San Francisco in 1972. This was during a migration of gay and bisexual men in the area. This is where and when he started becoming a leading figure for the gay community. He ran three times for political office, albeit unsuccessfully. But he gained popularity nonetheless thanks to his theatrical campaigns and ultimately winning a seat as a city supervisor in ’77.
During his short time in office, before being assassinated by fellow city supervisor Dan White, he sponsored a bill banning discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and employment on the basis of sexual orientation. The bill passed by a vote of 11-1. Milk became one of the most well-known gay icons and has been called ‘’the most famous and most significantly open LGBT official ever elected in the United States"
