It was a hot day on Saturday, May 22, but that didn’t stop several hundred revelers from participating in the first-ever Harvey Milk Festival in Sarasota’s Rosemary District.
Several bands, artists and performers helped commemorate the nation’s first openly gay elected official on what would have been his 80th birthday. Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Milk introduced and helped pass gay rights measures in the city. He was assassinated in 1978.
Sarasota’s festival was one among nearly 25 rallies in 20 states across the country, and crowds showed up almost immediately after the festival started the music.
“This is something we need to do every year and it’s important to remember how far we still have to go to be fully accepted in this country,” said Tina McCurray, who drove to Sarasota from Brandon. “I was excited when I learned about this event. It’s fun, but it’s fun with a purpose.”
That’s exactly what festival organizer Shannon Fortner envisioned when she began planning the celebration. The day is about remembering an LGBT icon and focusing on the battle for equality.
“We’re staying focused on Harvey himself,” Fortner said. “He loved the theater and Sarasota is very theatrical and artsy. I wanted local artists to express their interpretations of equality while we embrace our accomplishments.”
The event started at 1 p.m. and Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner welcomed attendees during a ribbon cutting ceremony and official proclamation. After reading the proclamation, Kirschner shared some insight into the benefits of welcoming LGBTs to the city.
“Economies and democracies that are open are most successful,” he said. “We need to embrace that openness, push for it and demand it.”
The night before, an art exhibit commemorating Milk was held at the Pure Luxe Gallery.
A candlelight vigil was set for 9 p.m., to unite the Sarasota event with others nationwide.
Stephen Wane, community coordinator with ALSO Out Youth, was distributing information about advocacy and wellness programs throughout the day.
