Harvey Milk Autobiography

Harvey Milk Autobiography

Full Name: Mr. Harvey Bernard Milk
Date of Birth: May 22, 1930
Place of Birth: Woodmere, New York, USA
Died: November 27, 1978
Place of Death: San Francisco, California, USA
Classification: Heroes & Icons


Known in the United States as a martyr for the gay community, Harvey Milk began his political crusade in San Francisco, California. While in office, he publicly spoke out for gay rights and established city ordinances that won him popularity; he came to be known as the Mayor of Castro Street.

Harvey Milk was born to a Jewish family from Lithuania who had emigrated from Lithuania. His grandfather was a department store owner in New York City. His father was also successful in the clothing business. By the time Harvey was a teenager, he was aware of his own homosexuality, but kept it hidden. Milk graduated from the New York State College in Albany and went on to join the Navy. He eventually made the rank of junior lieutenant before he was honorably discharged – which he stated later was due to the military’s getting rid of those they believed were homosexuals. He then worked as a teacher and then as an investor.

After some ups and downs in his career, namely his being fired in San Francisco, allowed him to work more in the theater of New York. Following, he moved back to San Francisco with his partner, Scott Smith. The two opened a camera shop and Harvey began becoming more involved in politics, wanting to better the city and bring political awareness and fairness to his and others’ situation. After several attempts at winning a spot on the city’s board of directors, he finally won in 1977, attributed to the power of his club, The San Francisco Gay Democratic Club. He became the only publicly open gay elected to a high office in San Francisco’s political history.

He did much for the city and won great popularity, not only for the changes he made for homosexuals living in San Francisco, but for other laws too. He wanted San Francisco to keep its charm and didn’t want massive buildings taking over the colorful, lively city. He also defeated a Senate bill in California that would have prevented gay teachers from instructing in public schools. He won national recognition for his work on the case.

Tragically, Harvey Milk and the Mayor of San Francisco, Moscone, where shot dead in City Hall by the outraged Dan White, who had resigned his political position, but wanted to be reinstated. When his reappointment into office was not granted, the Mayor was shot in his office. After Milk made a comment to White as he passed in the building, White shot him too. Being sentenced to only seven years in prison, Californians were outraged. White returned to California after his prison term and killed himself when he found no acceptance there. Harvey Milk lives on as a cornerstone to the movements, rights, and acceptance of the individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, or sexuality.