Assemblyman Gordon’s statement on Harvey Milk Day

Assemblyman Gordon’s statement on Harvey Milk Day

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblyman Rich Gordon (Menlo Park), Chair of the Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus, released the following statement on Harvey Milk’s Birthday. Harvey Milk was the first openly-gay elected official in California who served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Harvey Milk, along with Mayor George Moscone, was assassinated in 1978. Harvey Milk would have been 83 years old today.

“Harvey Milk is one of the first of firsts. As the first openly-gay public official in California, he has opened the door for countless of individuals across the state and the country to come out of the closet and into public life. He encouraged all of us to live our lives openly and proudly because, as he said, ‘coming out is the most political thing you can do.

Harvey Milk helped pave the way for me and my colleagues to run for office. Through vision and tenacity, Milk energized citizens and showed us that a small group of civically engaged citizens can span the distance between their neighborhoods, the steps of city hall, and all legislative bodies across the country.  Most importantly, he revealed that a small group of dedicated individuals can indeed change the world.

He was tragically taken before his time, but his legacy continues to live on in the men and women who continue to advocate and work towards a coalition of us. Today we will come together to celebrate and pay tribute to a distinguished American, leader, friend and colleague.”

Originally formed in 2002, the LGBT Caucus serves as a forum for the California Legislature to discuss issues that affect LGBT Californians and to further the goal of equality and justice for all residents in the State. Comprised of both Senators and Assemblymembers, the LGBT Caucus members include: Speaker John A. Pérez; Assemblymembers Tom Ammiano, Toni Atkins, Susan Eggman; Senators Cathleen Galgiani, Ricardo Lara, and Mark Leno. The Caucus’ formation made California the first state in the country to recognize an official caucus of openly-LGBT state legislators.

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Media Contact:
William Kim
916-319-2024
William.Kim@asm.ca.gov