All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.
Harvey MilkRead
Every gay person must come out. As difficult as it is, you must tell your immediate family. You must tell your relatives. You must tell your friends if indeed they are your friends. You must tell the people you work with. You must tell the people in the stores you shop in. Once they realize that we are indeed their children, that we are indeed everywhere, every myth, every lie, every innuendo will be destroyed once and all. And once you do, you will feel so much better
Interpretation
What this quote means
Coming out is a vital and empowering step for gay individuals, helping to dismantle myths and strengthen connections.
Harvey Milk emphasizes the importance of coming out as a gay person, asserting that it is a necessary step despite its challenges. By revealing one's identity to family, friends, and colleagues, individuals not only affirm their own existence but also contribute to the broader understanding of LGBTQ+ realities, dispelling misconceptions and fostering acceptance. This act of courage not only liberates the individual but also has the potential to change societal perceptions at large, highlighting the idea that recognition and visibility are crucial for combating prejudice and fostering community.
Themes
Coming OutCourageIdentityAcceptanceVisibilityLgbtq
In practice
Example use cases
Sharing this quote during a Pride event to inspire others to embrace their identity.
More from Harvey Milk
All quotes →Burst down those closet doors once and for all, and stand up and start to fight.
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If I do a good job, people won't care if I am green or have three heads.
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Rights are won only by those who make their voices heard.
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If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door in the country.
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All over the country, they're reading about me, and the story doesn't center on me being gay. It's just about a gay person who is doing his job.
Harvey MilkRead
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