Why Is Harvey Milk An Important Game-Changer

Harvey Milk is an example of an important game-changer because he changed the way that Americans viewed and accepted members of the LGBT+ community. In his life, Milk held certain qualities that enabled him to achieve his goal of giving a voice to the voiceless. Without Milk’s efforts, America’s outlook on human rights, and what those rights entitled, would not have been so radically changed for the better. Through examples of Milk’s leadership skills, perseverance and bravery in advocating for basic human rights, Milk’s position as a notable game-changer is clearly evident.

Harvey Milk was born on May 22, 1930, in Woodmere, New York. Raised in a small, middle-class Jewish family, Milk was well-known in his town and later in his high school

Defeated, Milk didn’t just disappear as most politicians opposing his “dangerous” views were hoping. Milk ran a second time for the position on the Board of Supervisors in 1976, but was yet again defeated. Finally, in 1977, Milk became the first openly gay elected official in not just the United States, but in the world (Encyclopaedia Britannica). Milk’s perseverance allowed him to get back up when he was knocked down, and allowed him to keep on fighting for a chance to have an influential position, one where he would be able to effectively push for LGBT+ rights. This perseverance inspired and heartened many around the country. ‘ "I thank God," wrote a 68-year-old lesbian, "I have lived long enough to see my kind emerge from the shadows and join the human race." ‘ (Time Magazine). This excerpt from an issue of Time Magazine honoring Harvey Milk included this snippet from a letter written by a member of the LGBT+ community. Milk’s perseverance provided him with the key to success when running for the Board of Supervisors, but it also gave hope to LGBT+ members across the nation that they would no longer have to be afraid of who they