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Harvey Milk Day

Celebrate Harvey Milk Day and honor his legacy of courage and activism - fight for justice, equality, and acceptance for all!

Saturday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 22

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYLGBTQ+

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Let's take a moment to celebrate Harvey Milk Day on May 22nd and recognize the legacy of this inspiring civil rights leader. On this day, we remember the impact that he made on society during his lifetime and how he championed for LGBTQ+ rights. His courage, strength and determination still resonates today in our fight for equality and justice for all.

TIMELINE

Harvey Milk Day Timeline

Harvey Milk's Birth

Harvey Milk was born on May 22, in Woodmere, New York to Lithuanian Jewish parents.

First Openly Gay Elected Official

Milk won a seat on the San Francisco City-County Board. He was the first openly gay elected official in the history of California.

Assassination of Harvey Milk

On November 27, Harvey Milk was assassinated by a fellow city supervisor, Dan White.

"The Times of Harvey Milk"

A documentary titled "The Times of Harvey Milk" was released. This film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1984.

Harvey Milk Day Establishment

The governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed the bill establishing Harvey Milk Day on Milk's birthday, May 22.

U.S. Navy Ship: Harvey Milk

The U.S. Navy announced that one of their new fleet oilers will be named USNS Harvey Milk, honoring his time served in the Navy.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Harvey Milk Day

Listen to Harvey Milk's speeches

Take a few moments out of your day to listen to some of Harvey Milk's inspiring and influential speeches. There are many recordings and videos available online.

VISIT

Visit the Harvey Milk Plaza

The Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco, California, is a great place to visit on Harvey Milk Day and pay tribute to his legacy. The plaza features two bronze busts of Harvey Milk, as well as a memorial wall with quotes from some of his most famous speeches.

READ

Read about Harvey Milk

Educating yourself about Harvey Milk is a great way to celebrate the day. Read books, watch documentaries, or search the internet for articles about his life and work.

ORGANIZE

Organize a march or rally

Organize a march or rally in honor of Harvey Milk and his legacy. Invite people from all walks of life and use the event as an opportunity to raise awareness about LGBT rights.

HOST

Host a film screening

Hosting a film screening of one of the movies that tells the story of Harvey Milk is another great way to celebrate the day. Invite friends, family, and members of your local community.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Harvey Milk Day is Important

Harvey Milk Day celebrates diversity

The celebration of Harvey Milk Day serves to remind us that we are stronger together than apart. This day honors diversity, inclusion, and acceptance - values that allow us to create a more just society where everyone feels welcomed and validated.

Harvey Milk was a champion for LGBTQ rights

Harvey Milk was the first openly gay person to be elected into public office in the United States. He fearlessly advocated for equal rights and visibility of the LGBTQ community during a time when it was not widely accepted. By raising awareness of the struggles faced by his community, he helped pave the way towards full legal recognition of LGBTQ people that we see today.

Harvey Milk Day honors his legacy

Harvey Milk Day is an important way to remember the legacy of this brave advocate for equality. It's a day to celebrate and honor all the strides taken in pursuit of progress, as well as the promise of what is yet to come.

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