Milk was a prominent gay activist during the 20th century.

He ran for office three times before becoming the first openly gay person elected to California public office, where he served as a city supervisor.

[1] Harvey Milk Day came about as a day to remember and teach about Milk's life and his work to stop discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community.

[3][4] The day was established by the California legislature and signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009.

Schwarzenegger was persuaded to reverse his position after a series of petitions led by gay rights activist Daren I.