All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.
Harvey MilkRead
I was born of heterosexual parents. I was taught by heterosexual teachers in a fiercely heterosexual society. Television ads and newspaper ads — fiercely heterosexual. A society that puts down homosexuality. And why am I a homosexual if I'm affected by role models? I should have been a heterosexual. And no offense meant, but if teachers are going to affect you as role models, there'd be a lot of nuns running around the streets today.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the influence of societal norms on identity, questioning how role models shape sexuality.
Harvey Milk highlights the contradiction between societal expectations of sexuality and individual identity. He argues that despite being surrounded by heterosexual role models, he identifies as homosexual, suggesting that sexuality is not solely influenced by external factors like family or societal norms. The emphasis on the rejection of homosexuality in society shows the struggles faced by those who do not conform to heteronormative standards, and the quote serves as a reminder of the importance of accepting diverse sexual identities.
Themes
SexualityIdentitySocietyRole ModelsHomosexuality
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the impact of societal norms on personal 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.
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