Latest news with #HarveyMilkDay
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Breaking down resurfaced rumors that Harvey Milk was a pedophile
In early June 2025, also known as Pride Month, rumors circulated that Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, was a ped*ph*le. The claim spread online as reported U.S. Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth had ordered the U.S. Navy to rename one of its ships that bore the name "Harvey Milk." For example, an X user relayed the rumor (archived): As of this writing, the post had gained nearly 50,000 views and 2,100 likes. The claim further appeared on several other X posts, one of which sought to support its assertion by recounting a relationship Milk, then 33 years old, had started with Jack Galen McKinley, who was 16 years old at the time, in "true groomer fashion" (archived): In 2021, the U.S. Navy sought to honor Milk by christening a ship in his name. Milk served in the Navy for four years. He resigned in 1955 following a psychiatric examination that identified him as a homosexual person rather than being court-martialed. Hegseth's order revived old rumors that the gay rights leader, who was assassinated in 1978, was a ped*ph*le. Snopes found an instance of the claim in 2011, reportedly shared by a group known as SaveCalifornia, which attacked a successful statewide initiative to celebrate Milk's legacy in schools. The SaveCalifornia website also posted about "Harvey Milk Day" in California's public schools in 2019, calling for an end to the commemoration for the sake of protecting children. On the page, a three-minute YouTube video appeared calling Milk a "predator of teens." It is true that in 1964, Milk, then 33 years old, entered a relationship with Galen McKinley, who was 16 years old, according to the Milk biography, "Harvey Milk: His Lives and Death." The relationship started in New York City. Snopes reached out to the New York State Library to confirm what the age of consent was in the state and city that year and we will update this report should they respond. Later, the pair spent time in California, where the age of consent has been 18 years old since at least 1920. Their California sojourn occurred around 1969, when Galen McKinley was 23 years old. The two remained a couple until at least 1970 and they stayed in touch for years after that. Absent a clear age of consent in the state of New York, however, Snopes examined psychiatric criteria to determine whether Milk would be considered a ped*ph*le for entering into a relationship with Galen McKinley. Pedophilia is not a legal term but a clinical one. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) treats pedophilia as a mental disorder, defining it as "a paraphilia in which sexual acts or fantasies involving prepubertal children are the persistently preferred or exclusive method of achieving sexual excitement." Prepubertal children can be as old as 11 years old. In other words, a 16-year-old boy is not prepubertal. The APA and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders have yet to define the attraction to children older than 11 years of age. For example, while California has established the age of consent at 18, it also includes a statute according to which "a person who willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act, including any of the acts constituting other crimes provided for in Part 1, upon or with the body, or any part or member thereof, of a child who is under the age of 14 years, with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child, is guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, six, or eight years." In other words, the law of the state makes a distinction between the age of consent and sexual crimes committed against children younger than 14 years old. In sum, while it is possible Milk's relationship with Galen McKinley may have violated the laws of consent in the state of New York in 1964, it does not appear that modern psychological standards would deem him a ped*ph*le. We will update this report when we can determine what the age of consent was in the state at the time the relationship took place. "A Complete Genealogy and Family History Resource Center." 2025, Accessed 4 June 2025.. Archive: Adminstrator 1. "Harvey Milk Day// - 2019, Accessed 4 June 2025. Blanchard, Ray, et al. "Pedophilia, Hebephilia, and the DSM-V." Archives of Sexual Behavior, vol. 38, no. 3, Aug. 2008, pp. 335–50, Accessed 4 June 2025. "Children and Youth in History | Age of Consent Laws [Table]." 2021, Accessed 4 June 2025. Kratz, Jessie. "Harvey Milk: Veteran." Pieces of History, 28 June 2023, Accessed 4 June 2025. "Law Section." Accessed 4 June 2025. Mehta, Kalika. "US Navy to Rename Ship Named after Gay Activist Harvey Milk." Deutsche Welle, 3 June 2025, Accessed 4 June 2025. Milk, Harvey. "Jewish Lives." Jewish Lives, 2024, Accessed 4 June 2025. "Pedophilia | APA Dictionary of Psychology." Accessed 4 June 2025. Writers, Staff. "Milk Pedophile Claim." Star Observer, 31 May 2011, Accessed 4 June 2025.
Time Out
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
WeHo Pride 2025: Everything you need to know
After L.A. Pride moved out of West Hollywood and into Hollywood, WeHo Pride made its grand debut, and now L.A. is lucky enough to have two inclusive festivals celebrating the city's LGBTQ+ community, which means double the fun. (Luckily they take place over different weekends, so you won't have to choose one over the other.) Since 2022, WeHo Pride has quickly come into its own as an essential Pride Month event, with its own music festival and parade set amid the city's iconic gay bars and clubs. Read on for everything you need to know about WeHo Pride and the WeHo Pride Parade—and lots more major Pride Month events across Los Angeles—plus our favorite party spots for divas and drag queens alike. What is WeHo Pride? And when is it? Though Christopher Street West may have moved L.A. Pride east, West Hollywood still holds its own celebration on the former site of the event. The bulk of WeHo Pride takes place in and around West Hollywood Park (647 N San Vicente Blvd). WeHo Pride is officially a monthlong affair that kicks off on May 22 with a celebration of Harvey Milk Day and the WeHo Pride Arts Festival (May 23–25) and lasts all of Pride Month, until June 30. But the star of the show is WeHo Pride Weekend, which coincides with an accompanying music fest dubbed OUTLOUD. That takes place from May 30 to June 1 this year. Lizzo, Paris Hilton, Remi Wolf, Kim Petras and Shygirl are headlining the OUTLOUD main stage, with additional performances by Shygirl Presents: Club Shy, Pabllo Vittar, Rebecca Black, Empress Of and more. Meanwhile, the SUMMERTRAMP stage, a 'sun-soaked party and dance oasis,' will feature both live performances and DJ sets, with Honey Dijon, Horse Meat Disco, salute and Meredith Marks topping the lineup. All of this follows a free night of music on Friday, where Grammy-winning country-turned-pop star Maren Morris will perform, as well as Qveen Herby, Jamie Fine and more (you can RSVP to secure a spot here). Friday night will also feature the return of the Drag Queen Lip Sync Battle Royale. In addition to the weekend's musical lineup, there's plenty happening off-stage as well—namely the free WeHo Pride Street Fair along Santa Monica Boulevard, between Hancock and La Peer, on Saturday and Sunday (noon–8pm). The fair hosts its own live entertainment and performances on a community stage. You'll also find the Women's Freedom Festival (noon–5:30pm) and motorcycle-led Dyke March (6–7pm) on Saturday, May 31. When is the WeHo Pride Parade? Then, on Sunday, June 1, WeHo Pride will hold a parade that starts at Santa Monica Boulevard and North Crescent Heights Boulevard at noon, then heads west on Santa Monica to San Vicente Boulevard (right at West Hollywood Park). Expect a colorful procession of floats, bands, dance teams, marchers and special guests to make their way along the mile-long route.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Harvey Milk Day is a day for both activism and celebration, says nephew Stuart Milk
Groundbreaking and martyred gay politician Harvey Milk would have turned 95 today. He was assassinated 47 years ago, but he continues to inspire activists in the present day — including his nephew Stuart Milk. Keep up with the latest in + news and politics. 'He was my touchstone to my own authenticity,' says Stuart, who was 17 when his uncle died and came out as gay shortly afterward. Stuart never discussed the possibility of being gay with Harvey, but his uncle gave him the message that differences are strength. Today, Stuart is president of the Harvey Milk Foundation, which he and Anne Kronenberg, who managed Harvey's 1977 campaign for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, established in 2009. Kronenberg is on the foundation's advisory board. The 1977 election was Harvey Milk's third try for a seat on the Board of Supervisors, which is San Francisco's city council. He won, making him the first out gay person elected to public office in California, which observes his birthday as Harvey Milk Day, as do many municipalities. He was shot to death along with Mayor George Moscone on November 27, 1978, by a disgruntled former supervisor, Dan White. 'It was his sad expectation that he would be assassinated,' Stuart Milk says of his uncle. Having received several death threats, Harvey Milk prerecorded a message to be played if he were killed: 'If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door in the country.' Related: Who was Harvey Milk? Harvey Milk outside his camera shop after his 1977 election to the Board ofIf Harvey were alive, Stuart says, he'd most likely be teaching younger generations about LGBTQ+ history. Meanwhile, he inspired his nephew to make some of that history with the foundation, which works for LGBTQ+ rights globally. Stuart reflects on how much has changed since his uncle's time — and how much hasn't. 'We're facing in many parts of the world a similar situation that my uncle had experienced,' Stuart says, noting Hungary's ban on Pride parades and other crackdowns on the community. Additionally, there are oppressive efforts in Italy, Poland, some countries in Africa, and elsewhere. Transgender and nonbinary people are under constant attack in the U.S. and some European countries. 'We see a retraction of rights and forcing people back into the closet,' he says. But there has been important progress. 'I think he'd be proud of the progress that we've made,' Stuart says of his uncle. 'We now have marriage equality in Thailand,' he points out, and in the U.S. and many other countries. 'Marriage equality was a game-changer because it's a visibility thing,' Stuart says. 'Lies, myths, and innuendoes about transgender people can be sustained and can proliferate because of lack of visibility,' he adds. Visibility is 'part of our battle and kind of the message that my uncle gave,' Stuart says. Stuart Milk with Nancy Pelosi (at left) and Judy ShepardCourtesy Harvey Milk Foundation The foundation holds educational events and works with activists around the world. Stuart Just came back from doing a history event in the U.K., speaking about LGBTQ+ history in schools — something some American states have banned — and that California, for instance, requires, and the foundation has helped schools in the state implement that mandate. Recently, he participated in a panel at the Munich Security Conference for the third year in a row. His next trip is to Italy, where some 'really draconian laws are being proposed,' he says, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is leading the nation's first far-right government since World War II. Queer Italians are familiar with his uncle — the LGBTQ+ center in Verona is named for him, and there's a bust of him in Rome's LGBTQ+ center. Stuart and the foundation are also working with activists in Hungary to fight the Pride ban; organizers want to hold a parade despite the ban. 'We've had great accomplishments, and then we move on,' he says. 'Now the Baltic nations have progressed tremendously, including having an openly gay president [Edgars Rinkēvičs] in Latvia.' But the foundation won't go where it isn't wanted, Stuart Milk stresses. LGBTQ+ activists in repressive Russia aren't eager to make waves right now. And 'it's a struggle in Africa because usually brave individuals speak out for the community instead of groups,' he says. Still, it will partner with those who are open. It did some work with the State Department during the Obama and Biden administrations and even joined in the first Trump administration's fight against criminalization of homosexuality in certain countries, Milk also hopes to continue that work with the current administration. 'We're having discussions, most at embassy level, but it feels a little frozen right now,' he notes. The second Trump administration has shown great hostility to trans people but — perhaps — less to gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, and there are at least seven out LGB officials in the administration, Milk says, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. 'We hope these individuals find their voices,' he says. But, he adds, the foundation isn't backing away from supporting trans people. Harvey was forced out of the military for being gay, he points out, and now service members are being forced out for being trans. 'Even John McCain said he didn't see why trans people couldn't serve,' Stuart notes. Stuart Milk speaking at an eventCourtesy Harvey Milk Foundation The story of his uncle, he says, resonates with people who are the most marginalized and diminished. Harvey Milk also recognized the importance of intersectionality before it was in vogue and was committed to working in coalition. He reached out to organized labor, Asian Americans, the Latine community, and more. 'Our community members are members of every race, every religion, all genders,' Stuart Milk says. 'When you attack immigrants, when you attack abortion rights, you are attacking our community.' To honor his uncle, he says, the top priority is to be visible if you're in a situation where it's safe. Another way is to stand up to the bullies. 'We have everyday heroes who stand up to the bullies,' Stuart says. 'When we stand up to the bullies, the bullies lose.' 'If you hear someone who says something homophobic, xenophobic, racist, confront them—ask if they know how offensive that is,' he adds. LGBTQ+ equality is not just a liberal cause, he says: 'We need everyone, including those in the center, to stand up.' But Harvey Milk Day is also a day to celebrate, Stuart says: 'It's a day when people can celebrate what he dreamed of, what we've come to, and remind us that we still have more work to do.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pride lives here: Why West Hollywood still sets the standard
This story is brought to you by our partners at Visit West Hollywood. The first Pride was a riot — and not the kind with glitter and go-go boots. It was bold. It was loud. And it kickstarted a global movement. Fast-forward to today, and West Hollywood isn't just keeping the spirit alive — it's throwing the ultimate block party in its honor. Where else can you find a city where nearly 40 percent of the residents identify as LGBTQ+ and the vibe is perpetual celebration? WeHo doesn't do Pride for a weekend — it lives and breathes it 365 days a year. But once late May rolls around, the city dials things up to 'iconic' with a full-on festival of queer joy, resistance, glitter, music, and yes, SPF. From fierce tributes to our trailblazing elders to stages packed with Grammy-winners, West Hollywood's Pride calendar is stacked like a well-padded queen on heels. Let's break it down, shall we? City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood Light a candle, dust off your tiara. It all begins with Harvey Milk Day, featuring the José Sarria Drag Pageant at West Hollywood Park. Sunset backdrop? Check. Local legends? Check. Drama? Oh honey, check. City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscott Three days. One fabulous feast of queer creativity. Think theater, film, poetry, dance, lit readings, and hands-on workshops. It's giving LGBTQ+ Met Gala meets writer's retreat with better cocktails. City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscot Now this is where the sequins start flying. Santa Monica Boulevard transforms into an open-air runway filled with vendors, artists, and performances. Come for the pop-ups, stay for the people-watching. City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscott City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscott Say it loud: this is not your average music fest. Pack your fanny pack and clack fan—Lizzo, Remi Wolf, Kim Petras, Paris Hilton, and Honey Dijon are all on the lineup. We're talking wig-snatching, floor-stomping queer excellence. Daniel Reynolds, editor in chief at Out magazine, says it best: 'The Outloud Musical Festival at WeHo Pride is always a highlight of the LGBTQ+ Los Angeles calendar. It's a reunion with friends in the heart of our gayborhood — where world-class musicians also come to perform! It's West Hollywood at its most magical.' OutloudOutloud City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscott Flags high, voices loud, and vibes unmatched. This WeHo staple is all about amplifying female and nonbinary voices. March, dance, shout, flirt — it's one of the most electric moments of the of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscott Legendary. Glitter-drenched. Unapologetic. This parade snakes down Santa Monica Boulevard with floats, divas, and the entire alphabet mafia showing up and out. Pro tip: hydrate and wear shoes that can survive a runway and a stampede. Don't sleep on the hotel bookings — seriously. The good stuff fills up faster than a drag brunch mimosa pitcher. Here's where to unpack your boas: City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood 🛏️ The West Hollywood EDITION Sleek, chic, and perched on Sunset. Rooftop pool? Yes. Pride proximity? 10/10. City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood 🛏️ Kimpton La Peer Hotel Perfectly placed at the end of the parade route and the start of the Dyke March. Complimentary wine hours, but no promises if you combine that with the bike rentals. City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood 🛏️ 1 Hotel West Hollywood Eco-luxury never looked so lush. Think rooftop greenery, skyline views, and a relaxed vibe that still leaves room for a glittery afterparty. City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood 🛏️ The London West Hollywood Old Hollywood glamour meets "we booked a Crewcation and packed five outfit changes per day." Extra points for oversized suites and poolside selfies. Let's be real: with this much going on, a one-day drop-in won't cut it. Plan a three-day Pride-cation, sync your schedule with friends, and give yourself the WeHo experience you deserve. More info and updates: 📍 📸 @wehopride | @visitweho Pride Parade: 🎟️ OUTLOUD Festival Tickets: Street Fair: Free Concert: 🛎️ Hotel recs & bookings:
