How Harvey Milk Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Harvey Milk across different fields.

Harvey Milk was a pioneering American politician and activist. He made history as the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Milk's political career, though tragically short, was marked by his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. He championed ordinances protecting gay rights and fought against discrimination. Milk's assassination, along with Mayor George Moscone, shocked the nation and solidified his status as a martyr for the gay rights movement. His life and legacy continue to inspire activists and politicians fighting for equality and representation.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1978: Harry Britt's Eulogy

Following Harvey Milk's assassination in 1978, Harry Britt summarized Milk's impact, stating, "No matter what the world has taught us about ourselves, we can be beautiful and we can get our thing together ... Harvey was a prophet ... he lived by a vision ... Something very special is going to happen in this city and it will have Harvey Milk's name on it."

1978: Harvey Milk Memorial Gay Democratic Club Founded

In 1978, the San Francisco Gay Democratic Club changed its name to the Harvey Milk Memorial Gay Democratic Club, which is currently named the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club. It is recognized as the largest Democratic organization in San Francisco.

1982: The Mayor of Castro Street Published

In 1982, Randy Shilts completed his biography of Milk, titled "The Mayor of Castro Street".

Mayor of Castro Street, The

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1984: The Times of Harvey Milk Wins Academy Award

In 1984, "The Times of Harvey Milk", a documentary film based on Randy Shilts's book, won the Academy Award for Documentary Feature.

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2002: Milk Called Most Significant LGBTQ Official

In 2002, Harvey Milk was called "the most famous and most significant openly LGBTQ official ever elected in the United States", solidifying his legacy.

2003: GLBT Historical Society Exhibitions

Since 2003, the story of Harvey Milk has been featured in three exhibitions created by the GLBT Historical Society, a San Francisco–based museum, archives, and research center. The estate of Scott Smith donated Milk's personal belongings, which were preserved after his death, to the GLBT Historical Society in 2003.

2008: The Biopic Milk Released

The biopic Milk, directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Sean Penn as Milk and Josh Brolin as Dan White, was released in 2008 after 15 years in the making. It won two Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor.

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August 2009: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

In August 2009, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Harvey Milk the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contribution to the gay rights movement, stating "he fought discrimination with visionary courage and conviction". Milk's nephew Stuart accepted the award on his uncle's behalf. Shortly after, Stuart co-founded the Harvey Milk Foundation with Anne Kronenberg. Also in August 2009, Desmond Tutu, co-recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, became a member of the Foundation's advisory board.

2009: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2009, Harvey Milk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his contributions and significance.

2010: Harvey Milk Music Radio Program

In 2010, radio producer JD Doyle aired the two-hour Harvey Milk Music on his Queer Music Heritage radio program. The broadcast's mission was to gather music about and inspired by the Harvey Milk story, and the broadcast and playlist of songs is archived online.

2012: Inducted into the Legacy Walk

In 2012, Harvey Milk was inducted into the Legacy Walk, an outdoor public display in Chicago which celebrates LGBTQ history and people.

May 22, 2014: Harvey Milk Postage Stamp Issued

On May 22, 2014, the United States Postal Service issued a postage stamp honoring Harvey Milk. He was the first openly LGBTQ political official to receive this honor. The stamp features a photo taken in front of Milk's Castro Camera store and was unveiled on what would have been his 84th birthday on May 22, 2014.

July 2016: USNS Harvey Milk Ship Named

In July 2016, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus advised Congress about his intention to name the second ship of the Military Sealift Command's John Lewis-class oilers USNS Harvey Milk.

August 16, 2016: USNS Harvey Milk Ship Officially Named

On August 16, 2016, the ship USNS Harvey Milk was officially named at a ceremony in San Francisco, generating some controversy considering Milk's antiwar stance later in his life.

April 2018: San Francisco Airport Terminal Renamed After Milk

In April 2018, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and Mayor Mark Farrell approved legislation to rename Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport after Harvey Milk, with plans to install artwork memorializing him.

June 2018: Portland Renames Street to Harvey Milk Street

In June 2018, the city council of Portland, Oregon, voted to rename a thirteen-block southwestern section of Stark Street to Harvey Milk Street.

July 23, 2019: Harvey Milk Terminal 1 Officially Opens

On July 23, 2019, Harvey Milk Terminal 1 officially opened at San Francisco International Airport, becoming the world's first airport terminal named after a leader of the LGBTQ community.

2019: Place Harvey-Milk in Paris

In 2019, Paris named a square Place Harvey-Milk in Le Marais, commemorating Harvey Milk's legacy.

November 2021: USNS Harvey Milk Launched

In November 2021, the ship USNS Harvey Milk was launched.

June 2025: USNS Harvey Milk Renamed

In June 2025, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered that Milk's name be removed from the ship USNS Harvey Milk, which was renamed USNS Oscar V. Peterson.