The Power of Speaking Out: Harvey Milk 

In celebration of Pride Month, we highlight the words of the inspirational civil and human rights leader, Harvey Milk. 

This week, we reflect on Milk's perspective on the importance of speaking out and the courage it takes to advocate for what you want, and believe is right: 

A Trailblazer in the Fight for Equality 

In 1977, Harvey Milk made history as one of the first openly gay individuals elected to public office in the United States. He achieved this when he won a seat on the San Fransisco Board of Supervisors. Milk presented himself authentically and resolutely – unafraid to run for public office as an openly gay man. Following his election, he was a source of hope and inspiration to queer people during a period in which the community experienced extensive discrimination and violence.  

Milk's pioneering strategy for reform emphasised securing gay rights. He worked on important projects such as setting up day nurseries to relieve the burden on working mothers and transforming military bases into affordable housing. He spoke out on issues relating to queer people, women and individuals belonging to marginalised groups. Notably, this included a California ballot initiative called Proposition 6, which would have authorised the dismissal of queer teachers in Californian schools. Milk and others heavily advocated against this ballot, overthrowing it during a period when many political assaults on gay individuals were successfully occurring over America. In parallel with Milk's efforts, attendance at gay pride marches rapidly increased. However, Milk's extraordinary work tragically came to a halt when he was assassinated only a year after assuming office. The night of his assassination, thousands of people united in an impromptu candlelight vigil and march. 

Leadership Rooted in Courage and Authenticity 

Since Milk's assassination, public sentiment has drastically changed concerning gay marriage and many more topics. Milk's essential work opened the way for subsequent LGBTQ+ leaders and persists in continual battles for equality. His words underscore the vital importance of advocating for the things you want - something that is often one of the most courageous acts of bravery. Milk himself unashamedly fought for what he wanted and believed was right, bringing together thousands of people in the fight for justice. 

Milk's words align with the Laidlaw value of being #Ambitious and the Oxford Character Project Leadership Virtue of #Courage. Being ambitious means dreaming big with the aim of achieving what once seemed unimaginable. Being courageous means one of the bravest actions - speaking out and making your voice heard. 

A Call to Reflect 

We invite you to reflect on Harvey Milk's powerful leadership insights. Share your thoughts in the comments: How do you find the courage to speak up for what you believe in?

🌈 Explore Scholar Research and Insights this Pride Month:

⚡Aki Sanjay - Queer Lives of Asia: Bridging the Past and Present of South and East Asian LGBTQ+ Communities 

⚡Artur Jan Figiel - Queering Affirmation: How Scholars and Clergy Advance the Case for LGBT+ Inclusion 

⚡Rachel Ngai - Many Crowns of Violet–Classical Reception in Queer Readings of Virginia Woolf 

⚡Nora Mulvehill - Exploring Queer Dublin, through Archives and Architecture 

⚡Lia Iannarilli - Queer Vampires and Tabloid Monsters: the Literary Influence of Politicized Representation in Reactionary British Media 

⚡Jasmine Crosbie - Undergraduate Experiences of Asexuality and Mental Health 

⚡Méabh Scahill - We are here!