US: White House ceremony to launch stamp in honour of gay rights hero Harvey Milk
The White House will hold a ceremony next month to launch a stamp in honour of assassinated gay rights hero Harvey Milk.
The stamp, first revealed two weeks ago, shows a black-and-white picture of the former San Francisco Supervisor, as well as a vertical pride flag.
It will be launched at the White House on May 22, which is celebrated as Harvey Milk Day.
According to Towleroad, a statement said: “The official first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Harvey Milk Forever Stamp will take place at the White House May 22.
Harvey Milk was a visionary leader who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.
“Milk’s achievements gave hope and confidence to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in the United States and elsewhere at a time when the community was encountering widespread hostility and discrimination.
“Milk believed that government should represent all citizens, ensuring equality and providing needed services.
His remarkable career was tragically cut short nearly a year after he took office, when he and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated.”
Obama previously awarded Milk the Medal of Freedom, America’s highest honour, in 2009.
An additional public dedication ceremony will take place in San Francisco, on May 28.
