Today is Harvey Milk Day in California, honoring the birth date of one of my heroes in the struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. We've come so far in the last couple years -- it's hard to imagine the challenges Harvey faced when he won public office as an openly gay man.
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| Harvey Milk. Photo by permission of Daniel Nicoletta |
Two years ago I started a portrait quilt of Harvey Milk, based on this famous photo by Daniel Nicoletta. I finished in June 2011.
Nicoletta's photo was taken during his campaign for City Supervisor, and his campaign button is prominently displayed on his chest.
We've made so much progress, and there is still so much to do. Thank you for your support in the fight for full equality.
gosh you do such great work Dan. In so many ways. Beautiful quilt.
ReplyDeleteAmazing quilt and such a worthy person to capture with your art. Love.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteJust had a convo with my girls at dinner tonight (almost 7 and 5) about what two women who were married would do if they wanted a baby. And then we talked about liquids as the older one is doing in science class. Just like that. I love that we just have these conversations and it is a part of their life, not an issue. With great thanks to those that came before and still fight.
I was a teen in the 80's when the word gay was used primarily as an insult. I'm so incredibly heartened by the way things have changed in the past 25-30 years. It isn't happening as quickly as my friends deserve, but it is happening, thanks to people like Harvey Milk. I read about country after country, state after state, acknowledging that marriage is a right for all people, not just the heterosexual ones, and I think, "It's about damn time."
ReplyDeleteHappy Harvey Milk Day to you too, Dan! This portrait is truly wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt and tribute to an important man and his work.
ReplyDeleteHi Dan! This is again amazing quilt! Wonderful way to honour him - he looks very happy and sweet person in that photo!
ReplyDeleteWonderful work & tribute!
ReplyDeleteHappy Harvey Milk Day to you Dan!The quilt is incredible...but no surprise there ;)
ReplyDeleteWow -- that Harvey Milk quilt is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThat ... is an amazing quilt. Harvey Milk was a man of immense courage. We should all be so dedicated to equality and rights for all.
ReplyDeleteIn the immortal words of Eugene Debbs: "While there is a lower class, I am in it; and while there is a criminal element, I am of it; and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free."
I remember exactly where I was sitting that day. Fox and Carskadon on Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Sitting there just stunned. A horrible thing for our City. Yes, Leaps and Bounds and years later... life is better, and so (sew) on.
ReplyDeleteThat is a fantastic quilt and what a wonderful subject! So much is being accomplished this year and hopefully every year until no longer needed.
ReplyDeleteI was looking around for inspiration -- about to start a new quilt & came across your blog. I loved what I saw so much that I've been poking around your blog for a bit now. This piece is AMAZING! You are obviously very talented & creative!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and happy quilt to honor a great and inspirational person!
ReplyDeleteDitto.
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