4 LGBTQ+ Politicians on How Harvey Milk's Legacy Still Inspires Them Today

Harvey Milk made an indelible impact on the formation of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. One of the earliest and most vocal out elected officials, he was unafraid to challenge entrenched political and cultural systems of queer discrimination and oppression. He fought against bigotry in the public education system and celebrated his identity, giving hope to those who had yet to escape their often backwards middle American homes and towns. Perhaps his most lasting legacy, however, is how his political activism of the moment shaped the political landscape of today. Here, four members of the latest generation of LGBTQ+ politicians talk about the impact Harvey Milk had on their lives as well as the political environment today.

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U.S. Representative Mondaire Jones became the first out LGBTQ+ Black legislator elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020. Jones acknowledges the blueprint Milk left for future leaders.

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"Without Harvey Milk and barrier-breakers like him, I would not be walking the halls of Congress today. Harvey showed America that openly LGBTQ+ people like me belong in positions of power and laid a blueprint for us to claim that power. More than 40 years after his tragic murder, Harvey's legacy lives on as we continue working to affirm true justice for all LGBTQ+ people. I look forward to expanding upon his important legacy."

-U.S. Representative Mondaire Jones

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Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride became the first transgender state senator in the country with her victory in 2020. McBride pays tribute to Milk's blazing the trail for kids dreaming of making an impact.

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"Harvey Milk is one of the trailblazers who made it possible for LGBTQ people to serve everywhere from City Halls to the halls of Congress. Harvey Milk would frequently talk about the 'kid from Altoona' and the need for each of us to give hope to one another. Harvey Milk has inspired countless kids across this country, myself included, with the courage he showed and the change he helped bring."

-Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride

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Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta became the first out LGBTQ+ person of color in the state's legislature with his win in 2018. He is currently running for U.S. Senator. Kenyatta says Milk revealed for him the art of the possible.

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"Harvey Milk helped show us what was possible. There were very few people who were unapologetically who they were as they ran for office, so there weren't many models or examples for me growing up. Harvey Milk gave me that. He showed me that being authentic matters, and that speaking truth to power matters. By the simple act of being who you are, you can have a powerful impact on your community."

-Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta

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Pennsylvania State Representative Brian Sims was the first out LGBTQ+ elected legislator in the state's history in 2012. He is running for the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. Sims was inspired by Milk's embrace of both public service and his own identity.

"Harvey Milk believed unconditionally in the power of being out and authentic as an antidote to discrimination and political opposition, and he understood that the LGBTQ communities are actually made stronger because of our differences and diversity. His inspired voice has taught me to bring my whole self to public service and to demand honesty and integrity from myself, my communities, and my colleagues."

-Pennsylvania State Representative Brian Sims

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