We are honored to celebrate the LGBTQ+ veterans, staff, and other members of the Swords community during June. The contributions LGBTQ+ veterans have had on our agency's work and culture are integral to our mission to serve all veterans and end homelessness and poverty among the population.
Earlier in the month, we joined California State Senator Scott Wiener and other veterans from across San Francisco to take a stand against the proposed renaming of USNS Harvey Milk. The U.S. Naval oiler is part of the John Lewis class of oilers - a group of ships all named after influential American civil rights leaders. All of them are currently at risk of being renamed, with USNS Harvey Milk being the first targeted.
Harvey Milk served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, holding the rank of lieutenant. Reported by Matthew Bajko at the Bay Area Reporter in 2020, Milk received an other than honorable discharge in 1955 rather than face a court-martial for his sexual orientation. Milk's experience in the military, which included interrogation - having to out himself and provide other deeply personal information to his superiors, is one many LGBTQ+ veterans faced. At Swords, we serve veterans still grappling with the injustices and trauma incurred from anti-LGBTQ sentiments and policies instituted by the military.
Milk's commitment to fighting for equality is also one we as a Bay Area-based organization are inspired by. Milk was the first out gay man elected to public office in California when he served as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. His impact and legacy as a leader in the gay rights movement was commemorated by the U.S. Navy in 2021 through the naming of the ship. We believe that eradicating his name is a symbolic step backward and disregards the significant contributions and service of the thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans who Milk represents.
“Understandably, veterans can be wary and not trust us immediately – especially if they are women or struggling with mental health conditions. This isn’t only about getting veterans housed; we’re also establishing relationships with them out where they feel the safest – which may be in their tent or on a bench they frequent. It’s worth it to come out here determined to make a connection.” - Tonya Greenlee, Swords’ Outreach
From the streets of San Francisco to behind the barber chair, Zack’s story is one of resilience, community, and second chances – a reminder that with the right support, every veteran has the power to rebuild.
Veterans’ stories, updates, and impact, delivered to you each month.
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