The United States has a long, long way to go when it comes to protecting, honoring, and respecting LGBTQ+ people. There have been significant wins in relatively recent years—marriage equality, for example, and the growing number of openly LGBTQ+ elected officials—but we’ve also seen hateful legislation signed into law and violence against vulnerable queer groups continue year after year. In the not-so-distant past, LGBTQ+ folks lacked even the most fundamental dignities and protections, and few people were able to be both “out” and hold a position of power. That’s part of why the late Harvey Milk is still such an important icon. And now, he’s finally being recognized by the U.S. Navy. As reported by the Associated Press, the Navy honored Milk on Saturday by christening and launching a ship in his memory. Milk, who became famous as the first openly gay politician in California, who was later assassinated by Dan White, first served in the Navy for four years. He was kicked out of the military because of his sexual orientation. Read more