Long Beach is inviting the public to nominate local leaders in the LGTBQ+ community for the annual Harvey Milk Park Equality Plaza Recognition. Submissions are open now through March 6 at 11:59 p.m.
Since opening in 2012, Harvey Milk Park’s Equality Plaza has celebrated local members of the LGBTQ+ community who have made lasting contributions in advocating for equality and social justice. Every year, four to six honorees are inducted onto the plaza’s recognition wall, establishing it as a monument of individuals who have had an active role in influencing Long Beach’s LGBTQ+ history.
Nominations are open to self-identified LGBTQ+ individuals or couples who have gone above and beyond to demonstrate leadership, advocacy and significant impact in Long Beach. Nominees must either live in Long Beach or have strong ties to the city. Posthumous nominations will be accepted as well.
Following the submission cut-off, a selection committee will go over the nominations based on the standards of leadership, advocacy, historical significance and impact on Long Beach’s LGBTQ+ community. The chosen honorees will be announced in April, followed by a public recognition ceremony in May as the city ramps up for Long Beach Pride.
“This recognition is about honoring those who have paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights in Long Beach,” said Cory Allen, chair of the selection committee, in a public statement. “Harvey Milk Park was the first in the nation named after an openly gay elected official, and it stands as a lasting tribute to those who fight for equality. We invite the community to submit nominations and help us celebrate the individuals who have shaped our city’s LGBTQ+ history and ongoing fight for equality.”
To learn more about the Harvey Milk Park Equality Plaza Recognition or to submit a nomination, visit here.
