Orange County’s Official Harvey Milk Day Celebration will be held at the Yost Theater (307 Spurgeon Street, Santa Ana) on Friday, May 21st at 7:30 pm.
Co-sponsored and organized by Men Alive, Equality California, Orange County Equality Coalition and other community groups, this free event will celebrate the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to a public office in the United States.
The celebration on May 21st, the eve of Milk’s birthday, is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about his life and recognize the ground-breaking efforts he made to open the door to public office for all gay people, including here in Orange County.
There will be door prizes, informative presentations by state office holders, including State Controller John Chaing, the OCEC Storytellers, and a very special performance by Men Alive- The Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus in honor of the gay chorus movement, which got its start on the steps of the San Francisco City Hall the night of Milk’s death following a candle light march down Market Street.
Also speaking will be the courageous Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, touring the United States bringing attention to the atrocities against gays and lesbians occurring today in his native Uganda, where his outspoken support of equality at home will land him in prison upon his return.
This fast-paced program will be followed by the showing of the award-winning documentary “The Life and Times of Harvey Milk” and, finally, an after party at Proof Bar in Santa Ana.
Milk was famous for introducing himself during his campaign as, “I’m Harvey Milk and I’m here to recruit you,” to garner support for his election to the San Francisco County Board of Supervisors. His victory was a milestone in California history. Milk was assassinated in 1978 and would have been 80 years old this year.
Celebration of his birthday as a Special Day of Recognition, pursuant to a bill passed by the California State Legislature and signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, was also a milestone. Milk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Many cities, including the City of Santa Ana have issued proclamations honoring Harvey Milk on his special day.
For more information about this event, please visit www.menalivechorus.org.
About Men Alive
Men Alive – The Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus was founded in 2001 by Artistic Director Rich Cook. Beginning with just 13 singers, Men Alive has grown into one of Orange County’s fastest growing arts organizations with over 130 singers and a support team of more than 50 volunteers. The Chorus is run by a Board of Directors composed of both singing and non-singing members. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization and an active & respected partner in Southern California’s arts scene. It is also, as part of its Mission Statement, a “bridge to the public at large.” Through entertainment and musical excellence, the Chorus serves as an ambassador of the gay community to the general public, spreading harmony and goodwill and a message of acceptance. For more information, please visit www.menalivechorus.org.
Carolyn De Freitas
VP of Marketing
Men Alive
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