2026 West Hollywood Harvey Milk Day, featuring the José Sarria Drag Pageant

The City of West Hollywood's free celebration for Harvey Milk Day serves as a kickoff to WeHo Pride, and is co-sponsored by the Imperial Court, One Institute, and by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District.

Harvey Milk (May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978) was an American politician and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California in 1977. He only served 11 months in office before he was tragically murdered by a fellow politician.

Milk served in the US Navy from 1951-1955. He resigned at the rank of Lieutenant junior grade, forced to accept an "other than honorable" discharge and leave the service rather than be court-martialed because of his homosexuality. In 2016, the US Navy named a ship after him. However, during Pride month in June 2025, the current administration ordered the renaming of the ship "USNS Harvey Milk" to "USNS Oscar V. Peterson"; in recognition of this, this year's pageant and event will have a nautical/naval theme.

José Sarria was the first openly gay person to run for office in the United States in 1961, helped pave the way for Harvey Milk’s successful run for office, was a well-known drag performer under the name the Window Norton, and founded the Imperial Court System which is one of the oldest and largest LGBT organizations in the world. The competition is hosted by West Hollywood Drag Laureate Pickle.

Judges are: Queen Mother Karina Samala and Emperor Eugene Maysky of the Imperial Court, and other TBA

Contestants: TBA

In addition to the Drag Pageant, there will be a voter registration table, milk and cookies, tabling from local organizatiosns, and a Harvey Milk photo opportunity.

This event is free to attend, RSVPs are not required, but requested via this Eventbrite.

-----

6pm: Event Starts

6:20pm: Comments from the Mayor and City Council of West Hollywood, LA County Board of Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, and representatives from other elected officials.

6:30pm: Competition including group number, talent portion and interviews.

7:55pm: Crowning of Winner

Location: West Hollywood Park's South Lawn, at the base of the Aquatic and Recreation Center's Great Staircase, 8750 El Tovar Place, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher City of West Hollywood's Arts Division - @WeHoArts