Harvey Milk Day in United States ― Date, History, and Details

Harvey Milk Day in United States

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History of Harvey Milk Day in United States and How to Celebrate/ Observe It

Harvey Milk Day is a day in the United States commemorating the life and accomplishments of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the country. The holiday, which is celebrated on May 22nd, was established by the California Legislature in 2009 and is recognized as an official state holiday. The day is also celebrated in other states with large LGBTQ populations, such as New York and Massachusetts.

Milk was born in New York City in 1930 and moved to San Francisco in 1972. He quickly became involved in politics and advocacy for the gay community. In 1977, he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming one of the first openly gay elected officials in the country. He served on the board for less than a year before he was assassinated by fellow supervisor Dan White.

Milk’s legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered through events and memorials on Harvey Milk Day. In San Francisco, there is an annual Harvey Milk Day Celebration at City Hall, which includes a moment of silence, speeches, and the raising of the rainbow flag. There are also several street festivals and parades held in honor of Milk around the country.