Every May 22nd, the nation comes together to remember Harvey Milk—an activist who showed us that hope isn’t meant to be whispered behind closed doors but proclaimed down every city street. I’m Kurt Thigpen, Vice Chair of the State Public Charter School Authority and CEO of Ace Studios. In both my public service and business work, I’ve seen how Harvey’s courage continues to shape our fight for equality.
This year, I’ve been reflecting on four gifts Harvey left us—and how each of us can carry them forward.
Grit to Rise After We Fall
In today’s climate, it can feel like we’re in a boxing ring we never signed up for—laws targeting LGBTQ+ youth, threats to our healthcare, challenges to our basic humanity. I’ve had moments when life knocked me off balance, and I wondered if pushing on was worth the pain. Harvey’s lesson? Bruises aren’t the final word; they’re the introduction to a comeback. Every time we stand back up—maybe unsteady, perhaps with a metaphorical black eye—we prove our community’s resilience and carry everyone else forward.
Education as Our Shield
Ignorance breeds fear, and fear fuels hate. Harvey understood that better than anyone, which is why he fought for open conversations about queer lives—in newspapers, classrooms, and living rooms. As books are banned and curricula are sanitized, it’s up to us to fill the gap. At Ace Studios, I’ve seen how storytelling can break down barriers faster than any policy paper. Share accounts of Stonewall, AIDS activism, or personal coming-out stories—each one reminds people that LGBTQ+ history is central, not peripheral.
Representation That Resonates
Seeing someone who looks like you in a leadership role transforms hope from a slogan into a real possibility. In my roles across public service, I strive to be that example for young people who dream of making a difference. When LGBTQ+ candidates run for school boards, city councils, or Congress, they force our neighbors to recognize us as leaders, advocates, and stakeholders in our shared future.
Solidarity in Action
No movement is built alone. Harvey never marched by himself—and neither should we. Solidarity means more than retweets and signed petitions; it means volunteering at youth shelters, writing to your representatives, and showing up at rallies. Every threatening bill has a coalition ready to respond and a community center ready to welcome those in need. And when election day arrives, our votes defend the very freedoms under attack.
A Call to Courage
Harvey closed his speeches with a simple plea: “You have to give them hope.” Here’s how you can answer that call today:
- Mentor a Young Leader. Guide a queer teen through civic engagement—from attending a school board meeting to helping craft an email to a state senator.
- Share Your Story. Write an op-ed, post on social media, or simply have a conversation over coffee—every personal account chips away at misconceptions.
- Run for Office. Your lived experience brings invaluable insight. Whether it’s a local board or a statewide seat, your voice matters.
Each action—big or small—chips away at bigotry’s walls.
Harvey Milk taught us that hope is active. It’s heard in marching band drums, seen in rainbow flags, and lived out in everyday acts of courage. Let’s honor his legacy by rising when we fall, educating the uninformed, representing our community boldly, and standing united.
Our best days are still ahead—let’s keep hope loud.