Today, we commemorate the life and work of Harvey Milk, a beacon of hope, strength, and advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community. On this day, dubbed Harvey Milk Day, we recognize the tremendous strides he made in the name of equality and justice.

Born in 1930, Harvey Milk became one of the first openly gay elected officials in America when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. This was groundbreaking, occurring when acceptance and understanding of the queer community were limited. Harvey used his platform to advocate for the rights of all, particularly for the marginalized and underrepresented LGBTQ+ community.

His actions and words continue to inspire. Harvey once said, “It takes no compromise to give people their rights,” a simple yet potent declaration that resonates with us today. As a vocal champion for human rights, he campaigned tirelessly to defeat Proposition 6, a discriminatory legislation that sought to ban gay and lesbian teachers. His victory against it demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice.

Another powerful quote of his, “Hope will never be silent,” still rings loud in our ears, encouraging us to persevere in the fight for equality. Despite his tremendous adversity, including his tragic assassination in 1978, Harvey Milk’s voice has never been silent.

In honoring Harvey Milk Day, we remember a man who made the world a little brighter, kinder, and much more accepting of the queer community. His legacy lives on in each step we take toward equal rights and in every voice that refuses to be silenced.

Remember, in Harvey’s own words, “You must come out.” Be visible, be proud, and be the authentic you. Harvey Milk’s life and advocacy remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can enact change and inspire hope.

We encourage you to share this information with friends, fellow teachers, and allies and join us in bringing awareness to our efforts. Your support is essential for our ongoing work to create safe spaces for all students, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or expression. Please consider donating to Safe Schools so that we can continue advocating for inclusivity and diversity within the education system.