It’s about respect for a man who lost his life fighting for GLBT rights. It’s about respect for ourselves as GLBT people. And it’s about the respect for our struggle to be recognized as equal by others.

We almost didn’t get this day. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the first bill to have Milk commemorated statewide. But after President Obama posthumously awarded Milk the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, the governor signed the bill making Milk’s birthday, May 22, a day of celebration.

While Harvey Milk Day is not a holiday and does not effect changes that remain on our agenda – kids will still go to school, where many of them will be bullied for being or perceived as being GLBT; GLBT servicemembers will still serve silently; most states will still turn away same-sex couples who wish to wed – it is still a day that signifies that our ongoing struggle for GLBT civil rights is not in vain.

Harvey Milk Day reminds us that one day we won’t have to ask questions like “Should ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ be overturned?” or “Should GLBT people be fired for their sexual orientation?” If GLBT people were considered fully human, such questions would not exist – and one day they won’t!

When both a president and a state governor recognize the fact that Harvey Milk’s legacy is significant it’s another step in the right direction – a step away from the shameful messages we’ve received and which it takes many of us a lifetime to overcome. Witness California Sen. Roy Ashburn, who recently came out as gay yet has a record of voting against pro-GLBT legislation.

It’s liberation from such private and public torment that we will be celebrating this Saturday, May 22, Harvey Milk’s birthday. So go out and party like you mean it.