We must destroy the myths once and for all. We must continue to speak out and most importantly every gay person must come out. As difficult as it is, you must tell your family, you must tell your relatives, you must tell your friends, you must tell your neighbors, you must tell the people you work with, you must tell the people in the stores you shop in, and once they realize that we are indeed their children and that we are indeed everywhere, every myth, every lie, every innuendo will be destroyed once and for all. And once you do you will feel so much better.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Milk asserts that coming out to everyone in one's life is the most effective way to dismantle myths and lies about gay people.
- In plain terms
- Tell everyone you know you are gay so they realize you are real people.
- What can you take from it?
- Personal disclosure is a powerful tool for breaking stereotypes and fear.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why is personal story more effective than facts?
- Is coming out always safe?
Another view
This puts the burden of education on individuals rather than systemic change.
More from Harvey Milk
All over the country, they're reading about me, and the story doesn't center on me being gay. It's just about a gay person who is doing his job.
Permalink to quote #4 ...Gay brothers and sisters,...You must come out. Come out...to your parents...I know that it is hard and will hurt them but think about how they will hurt you…
Permalink to quote #6 Somewhere in Des Moines or San Antonio there is a young gay person who all the sudden realizes that he or she is gay; knows that if their parents find out they…
Permalink to quote #3
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