Focus Features

Tom Ammiano

Although his murder in 1978 turned Harvey Milk into an international icon, the man had become iconic for lesbian and gay people long before that tragedy. In 1977, he became one of the first openly gay men to be elected to political office in the United States. After three failed attempts to get elected to public office, Harvey Milk, the closeted Jewish, Republican, Wall Street worker from Woodmere, Long Island, did what no one could have imagined. He moved to California, came out, and “recruited” a coalition of Asian, black, gay, lesbian, union and other groups that not only supported him, but also elected him, to become the San Francisco city supervisor for District 5.

For years, being openly gay was a terrifying prospect, and the idea of a gay politician seemed almost oxymoronic. But Milk, who refused to be any thing less than who he was––and expected nothing less of any one else––changed the tenor of American politics, proving that he could be gay and a leader for an entire community.  Milk’s own “Yes, we can” philosophy broke barriers and help pave the way for other gay people to step and take public office. We have asked those who have taken up Milk’s mantle, local and state politicians who served in public office as openly gay, what Milk has meant to them.

Cathy Woolard

The former Atlanta City Council president on Harvey's example.

Larry Gierer

The Oakland Park City Commissioner on Harvey Milk's impact on his life.

Mark Ferrandino

Colorado State Representative Ferrandino explains how Milk has inspired him.

Mark Leno

The California State Senator on how he has followed Milk's political path.

Mike Lawlor

Connecticut State Representative Lawlor offers an alternate take on the political climate.

Patrick Flaherty

The up-and-coming politician and activist on continuing Milk's fight for representation.

Tom Ammiano

Ammiano, currently a California State Assemblyman, gives his personal Milk memories.

Michael A. Gin

The Republican Mayor of Redondo Beach reveals what Milk means to him.

Tom Ammiano

Although his murder in 1978 turned Harvey Milk into an international icon, the man had become iconic for lesbian and gay people long before that tragedy. In 1977, he became one of the first openly gay men to be elected to political office in the United States. After three failed attempts to get elected to public office, Harvey Milk, the closeted Jewish, Republican, Wall Street worker from Woodmere, Long Island, did what no one could have imagined. He moved to California, came out, and “recruited” a coalition of Asian, black, gay, lesbian, union and other groups that not only supported him, but also elected him, to become the San Francisco city supervisor for District 5.

For years, being openly gay was a terrifying prospect, and the idea of a gay politician seemed almost oxymoronic. But Milk, who refused to be any thing less than who he was––and expected nothing less of any one else––changed the tenor of American politics, proving that he could be gay and a leader for an entire community.  Milk’s own “Yes, we can” philosophy broke barriers and help pave the way for other gay people to step and take public office. We have asked those who have taken up Milk’s mantle, local and state politicians who served in public office as openly gay, what Milk has meant to them.

Cathy Woolard

The former Atlanta City Council president on Harvey's example.

Larry Gierer

The Oakland Park City Commissioner on Harvey Milk's impact on his life.

Mark Ferrandino

Colorado State Representative Ferrandino explains how Milk has inspired him.

Mark Leno

The California State Senator on how he has followed Milk's political path.

Mike Lawlor

Connecticut State Representative Lawlor offers an alternate take on the political climate.

Patrick Flaherty

The up-and-coming politician and activist on continuing Milk's fight for representation.

Tom Ammiano

Ammiano, currently a California State Assemblyman, gives his personal Milk memories.

Michael A. Gin

The Republican Mayor of Redondo Beach reveals what Milk means to him.