Shannon Fortner believes that if Harvey Milk were alive today he would encourage LGBT and supporters to celebrate, but to also inspire others to get involved and take action.
That’s the mission and inspiration behind Fortner’s involvement in the First Annual Harvey Milk Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 22. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed May 22 as the first annual Harvey Milk Day, and communities across the country have jumped on board to celebrate.
“I organized a rally with Out for Immigration back in November and people have been asking me when I was going to organize another one,” Fortner said. “So I decided to organize something for Harvey Milk Day.”
Fortner said she was contacted by an organizer in San Francisco who was spearheading a similar event there and the celebration took on a life of its own. The Sarasota celebration runs from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1356 5th St. and will showcase local bands, artists and performers in a day of true celebration.
“We’re staying focused on Harvey himself,” Fortner says. “He loved the theater and Sarasota is very theatrical and artsy. I wanted local artists to express their interpretations of equality while we embrace our accomplishments.”
Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner will host a welcoming ceremony—complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony and an official proclamation—to kick off the day’s festivities.
The day before, on Friday, May 21, a Milk Collection Art Opening is slated for 6 p.m. at the Pure Luxe Gallery at 513 Central Avenue, followed by an afterparty at Felice’s Café housed within the same block.
Fortner said that several volunteers will be on hand with petitions, encouraging attendees to voice concerns over several LGBT issues, including Florida’s ban on gays and lesbians adopting children.
“We want to make politics accessible to everyone but we want to enjoy ourselves too,” Fortner said.
The festival is free, however donations will be accepted for ALSO Out Youth, an organization for LGBT youth in Sarasota.
