Hope Speech

The Castro District, home to Castro Street, is now a recognized culturally LGBTQ+ district. Since the 1960s, it was known as the hub of San Francisco’s gay subculture. Milk opened his camera store on Castro Street in 1972, keeping it until his death; the store was the center of his political career and served as a gathering place for the gay community. By using the street as an image of gay solidarity, Milk cements his status as an active member of the local community.

The California Democratic Council (currently CalDC, formerly CDC) is a nonprofit established at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in 1953 with the intention of unifying grassroot clubs and committees to ensure Democratic voices reach the state government. They presently work to ensure clubs and committees are able to grow, develop, and have their voices heard regardless of their location within the state. The CDC oversaw California’s movement to the left of the political spectrum, which Milk predicted. They are one of the few, if not the only, organizations to focus on supporting rural Democratic constituents and ensuring their voices reach the state and national level. At the time of Milk’s speech, the CDC—which now goes by CalDC—was a vital part of Democratic growth in California and a powerful force in elections.