Stuart Milk, Milk's nephew and the co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation, spoke at the event and said one of his uncle's dreams was 'for service members to serve with authenticity and not be forced to hide who they were and who they love.' From left, David Campos, vice chair of the California Democratic Party Nicole Murray-Ramirez, an LGBTQ+ activist, holding a photo of Harvey Milk and Bevan Dufty, director of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District pose for a photo before the launching of the USNS Harvey Milk in San Diego on Nov. There is no doubt that the future sailors aboard this ship will be inspired by Milk's life and legacy,' Del Toro said. 'Leaders like Harvey Milk taught us that diversity of backgrounds and experiences help contribute to the strength and resolve of our nation. It's estimated that 100,000 veterans have been discharged from military service because of their sexual orientation.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said it helps right the wrongs of the past and shows a commitment to current and future LGBTQ+ service members. Naming the ship after an icon of the LGBTQ+ rights movement represents a symbolic milestone for the military following a long history in which queer service members were unable to serve openly.
