The U.S. Navy has made headlines after announcing it will rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a support ship named after the late gay rights activist and former Navy officer. The announcement came during Pride Month, which made the news even more emotional for many who see Harvey Milk as a symbol of progress for the LGBTQ+ community. The decision wasn’t explained in full detail, but officials said it was part of a broader plan to reevaluate how military assets are named. Many people feel this choice sends the wrong message—especially during a month meant to celebrate inclusion, pride, and equality.
The ship was originally launched in 2021 as a tribute to Milk’s legacy as both a Navy veteran and one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. For many LGBTQ+ service members and supporters, seeing his name on a military vessel was a powerful moment of recognition. Now, the removal of his name feels personal, as if a meaningful piece of representation is being taken away. This has led to an emotional public response from political leaders, activists, and everyday citizens alike.
The Life and Legacy of Harvey Milk Still Matters Today
Harvey Milk was not just a politician—he was a symbol of courage, change, and hope. In 1977, he became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. His election came at a time when being openly gay was still considered dangerous, both socially and politically. But Harvey Milk didn’t back down. He believed that people deserved to be seen, respected, and treated equally, no matter who they loved.
Before entering politics, Milk served in the Navy during the Korean War, which makes the Navy’s decision to name a ship after him all the more meaningful. He gave his life to public service—both in the military and as an advocate. In 1978, Milk was assassinated, along with the city’s mayor, George Moscone. His death shocked the nation, but his legacy only grew stronger over time. Today, people still remember Milk not only for his bravery but also for his deep belief in the power of community and compassion. He encouraged people to live openly and proudly, and his message still resonates with younger generations.
Why the Renaming Is Creating Such Strong Reactions
Many people are upset about the Navy’s decision because it feels like a step backwards, especially during Pride Month. The timing of the announcement has made the issue even more painful for the LGBTQ+ community. It feels less like a simple change and more like a statement that erases part of a hard-earned history. For those who grew up looking up to Harvey Milk as a role model, seeing his name honored on a Navy ship meant something important. Taking it away feels like rewriting the past in a way that dismisses the struggles and victories of so many.
Political leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Gavin Newsom have spoken out strongly against the decision. Even Stuart Milk, Harvey’s nephew and the head of the Harvey Milk Foundation, has voiced his concerns. He said that erasing Harvey’s name from a ship is not just about one person—it’s about removing the visibility of an entire community from national symbols. People who support the LGBTQ+ community worry that decisions like this could set a troubling precedent, where meaningful recognitions are taken away based on politics rather than respect or progress.
Some Say It’s About Neutrality, Others Say It’s Erasure
There are people who support the renaming and argue that the military should remain neutral when it comes to political or social identities. They believe ships should not carry names that might be seen as divisive, even if they were originally meant to honor someone’s service or legacy. In this view, removing Harvey Milk’s name is not about disrespect—it’s about keeping the military focused on its mission without bringing in modern identity discussions. They say it’s about unity and tradition, not discrimination.
However, this argument has drawn criticism from those who believe that removing a name like Harvey Milk’s is, in fact, discriminatory. Milk was not chosen at random—he was a Navy veteran who paid the ultimate price for standing up for what he believed in. Critics argue that his name honored both his military service and the broader idea that everyone belongs in public service, regardless of who they are. To them, this isn’t about politics—it’s about fairness and respect. So while the idea of neutrality may sound reasonable on the surface, many say it’s being used to quietly exclude people whose identities have historically been left out.
Remembering Harvey Milk on His Day and Beyond
Even though the renaming of the ship has caused frustration and sadness, people continue to celebrate Harvey Milk’s life and legacy in other ways. In California, May 22 is officially known as Harvey Milk Day. This year, communities across the state held events to remember what Milk stood for. Schools hosted discussions, cities held parades, and families gathered to reflect on how much progress has been made since Milk’s time—and how much still needs to be done.
At the heart of every event was the reminder that one voice can make a difference. Harvey Milk always believed in the power of speaking up, even when it was hard. He once said, “Hope will never be silent.” That message continues to guide people today, especially those who feel unseen or unheard. So while a name might be removed from a ship, the impact Harvey Milk had on the world can’t be erased. His story lives on through those who continue to fight for equality, fairness, and love. And that is something no policy can take away.
Image Source: Military.com
