In April 1952, The American Psychiatric Association listed homosexuality as a sociopathic personality disorder.

    In April 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed executive order 10450, banning homosexuals from working for the federal government. The order listed homosexuals as security risks, along with alcoholics and neurotics.

    Prior to 1962, being homosexual was illegal in every state.

    Harvey Bernard Milk was an American politician and civil and human rights activist. He became one of the first openly gay officials in the United States in 1977. He won a hard-fought seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He not only fought for LGBT issues, but also for women, racial and ethnic rights, and the elderly and disabled. He battled for social changes in education, public transportation, childcare, and low-income housing.

    Harvey Milk believed in the American dream for all people.

    "All men are created equal. No matter how hard they try, they can never erase those words. That is what America is all about." - Harvey Milk

    "All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential." - Harvey Milk

    Harvey Bernard Milk was born on May 22, 1930, in Woodmere, New York. His parents were both of Lithuanian heritage. They were well-known in their community for founding a Jewish synagogue.

    By his early teens, Harvey was already aware of his homosexuality, but kept it to himself, as he did for most of his life. In high school, he was popular and active in sports and was considered a class clown.

    In 1947, he entered New York State College for teachers and earned his degree in 1951.

    He followed in his parents' footsteps and joined the Navy and served from 1951 to 1955. He was a chief petty officer on a submarine rescue ship during the Korean war.

    He reached the rank of junior lieutenant before he was forced to resign in 1955 because of his sexual orientation.

    After his time in the Navy, Harvey began working as a public school teacher in New York. While in New York, he also worked as a stock analyst and a production associate for Broadway musicals.

    During the 1960's and 70's, Harvey became more involved in politics.