FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.–The Harvey Milk Foundation, known around the world for its dedication to promoting equality for the LGBT community, will present its coveted Harvey Milk Medal to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. This historic milestone coincides with the 70th anniversary celebration of the United Nations.
The Harvey Milk Medal is seen as one of the most significant recognitions from the LBGT human rights community. Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation, will present the award and take questions on efforts to advance LGBT rights along with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
“Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is receiving the Harvey Milk Honors Medal due to his unparalleled and unequivocal support of LGBT inclusive human rights across the globe,” said Stuart Milk. The Secretary General created the UN’s Free and Equal Campaign, which goes to the heart of the visibility issue for LGBT people around the world. That was my uncle’s core message four decades ago and it is the same message still needed today.”
Past Harvey Milk medal recipients include: Matthew Shepard Foundation Founder, Judy Shepard; multiple Grammy winner, Melissa Etheridge; Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts; Nobel Peace Prize winner, Desmond Tutu; Former White House Chief of Protocol & Founder of the Susan Komen Race for the Cure, Ambassador Nancy Brinker; Irish Parliament Foreign Affairs Chair and LGBT rights pioneer, Senator David Norris; and Lazio Italy (Rome) Governor Nicola Zingaretti.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Mayor Edwin M. Lee, and U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi will join the Bay Area in marking the 70th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter with commemorative events in San Francisco, including City Hall and the Fairmont Hotel. The anniversary commemorates events of June 26, 1945. With the World War II still raging in the Pacific, representatives of 50 nations gathered in San Francisco to sign the United Nations Charter. From that moment on, the Bay Area has played a critical role in advancing the mission and values of the United Nations.
