"All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential"
-Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States in 1977 when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. LGBT citizens celebrate his accomplishments each May 22nd, which is Milk's birthday.
While in office, Milk:
-successfully pushed for a new law prohibiting discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation.
-Pushed the city of San Francisco to hire more gay/lesbian police officers.
In addition to gay rights, Milk advocated for a citizens review board for police, free public transportation, less expensive child care and a "pooper scooper" law requiring pet owners to clean up after their animals.
Although Milk was assassinated only nearly a year after he first took office he inspired people nationwide with his passion, activism and unapologetic advocacy for the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens.
The work of gay politicians and activists like Milk have led to laws protecting the rights of LGBT workers as well. California has included LGBT rights in the latest employment law on harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. You can learn more about those new laws and the people impacted by checking out our interview section on MyCEcourse.com
Our AB1825 training film is the most up to date legal/employment resource. If your workforce needs the most up to date training we can help. MyCEcourse.com
Cristina Mendonsa
Author