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Harvey Milk's Legacy Of Social Justice

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Harvey Milk left a legacy of hope, of visibility and of social justice not only for gay Americans but all Americans. He was known throughout America, sometimes in a positive way and sometimes in a negative way, but he was known. He was the first publically gay politician voted into office, and he lived right here in San Francisco. He was on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, serving beside Dan White, who would later assassinate him and Mayor George Moscone on November 27, 1978. Harvey Milk was the first “out” gay politician. Through his powerful leadership and activism, Harvey Milk not only gave a voice to the gay community, he also was able to work with people from all walks of life to fight for the civil rights of the gay community. …show more content…

Harvey had to pay the gay community back for being his main support for winning the election. George Moscone, mayor of san Francisco and supporter of the gay community, worked along side Harvey Milk all the way until the day they were both assassinated by ex-supervisor Dan White. Harvey and George together worked together and instituted the Gay Rights Legislation in April of 1977. This bill prohibited discrimination, or unequal treatment in the area of housing and employment based on sexual orientation (law2). This was yet another milestone for gay people in California because so many gay people have faced discrimination and were fired for their sexual orientation and also people couldn’t live in specific housing because of sexual orientation. Now gay people could at least be respected in the workplace and in their own homes.
Harvey Milks primary reason for being such a huge symbol in today’s gay community is not because of the political successes he had but the affect he had on individuals of different races, ages and genders, indirectly. If it weren’t for Harvey journey through politics and civil rightist would have been much different today for the gay community. Harvey Milks life, assassination subsequent martyrdom has had a major impact on American politics and politicians today. (talk about gay politicians

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