Harvey Milk Foundation President Stuart Milk. (Photo courtesy HMF)
TAMPA | LGBTQ+ advocate Stuart Milk will partner with the Hillsborough County LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus before being recognized as a Tampa Pride grand marshal this month.
Milk co-founded the Harvey Milk Foundation in 2009 to honor its namesake, his trailblazing uncle. The late politician became one of the world’s first openly gay elected officials in 1977 before his assassination the following year.
His “dream for a better tomorrow filled with the hope for equality and a world without hate” guides HMF’s work, the organization notes. Milk has helped amplify that message worldwide for decades, both as the not-for-profit’s president and a personal champion of human rights.
“As an individual, with my Harvey Milk Foundation hat off, I have been a steadfast, progressive Democrat,” Milk describes himself. It’s why he’s proud to partner with the Hillsborough County LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus for its LGBTQ+ Rex Fund Pride Fundraiser March 28.
Named for late Tampa politico Rex Maniscalco, the scholarship helps local candidates access critical education through the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. Their training teaches them how to run campaigns and get elected.
“Participating in any county and local community’s LGBTQ group always rejuvenates not only me but my commitment and my passion for the Democratic Party’s long-standing principles of progress on LGBTQ and human rights overall,” Milk says. “As a party, I don’t think it’s news to anyone that we have a lot of work to do … I always stand ready to do that work in any way that’s helpful as a 25+ year resident of the state of Florida.”
Luis Salazar, caucus president, Watermark Out News’ social media coordinator and another Tampa Pride grand marshal, says the group is “deeply honored to welcome a distinguished guest like Stuart Milk.”
“Events like this reaffirm our dedication to advancing the missions of both Harvey Milk and Rex Maniscalco to work towards a more just and inclusive world,” he explains. “They help us raise the crucial funds needed to empower diverse voices in leadership and ensure their election to office.”
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Tampa Pride is also thrilled to welcome Milk, “who like his uncle … has dedicated his life to advocating for the LGBTQIA community,” organizers shared this month. This year’s 11th celebration is scheduled for March 29.
“Stuart is not only an activist in his own right but also the co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation, continuing the legacy of his beloved uncle,” Tampa Pride noted. “We are beyond proud to [have] Stuart Milk in our parade … spreading a message of love, acceptance and equality.”
“To be recognized by the Tampa Bay area is particularly meaningful as I have had the privilege to work with so many of the inspiring community leaders and wonderful elected officials that have advanced our community there in the past several years,” Milk says.
He also notes that while “we face many challenges in the U.S. on human rights and there is no diminishing these challenges,” Pride celebrations — which began as “protest rallies” — remain critical for LGBTQ+ visibility.
“I think the most important message that we send at the Harvey Milk Foundation around the world is that no one is alone,” Milk says. “… as my uncle famously said, although you cannot live on hope alone, without hope life is not worth living and it’s up to each of us to every day bring hope into our communities.”
Stuart Milk will headline the Hillsborough County LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus’ LGBTQ+ Rex Fund Pride Fundraiser March 27 from 6-8 p.m. at 1920 Ybor. Learn more at HillsboroughLGBTQDems.org.
Tampa Pride 2025 will be held March 29. For more information, read Watermark Out News’ Pride in Tampa magazine and visit TampaPride.org. Learn more about the Harvey Milk Foundation at HarveyMilkFoundation.org.
