On June 3, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Navy to strip the name “Harvey Milk” from one of its ships — removing the name of the first openly gay man elected to public office in California.

This wasn’t just a name change. This was an erasure of the legacy of an iconic gay rights icon. So this Pride month, we’re doing the opposite. If they won’t name one ship in his honor- we’ll name an entire fleet. 

A black and white photograph of a man with dark hair and light skin, viewed through a circular opening formed by hands. The man is wearing a patterned suit jacket and white shirt, with a background that includes partially visible text and artwork.

TURN THE TIDE


Be part of The Milk Fleet by adding Harvey Milk’s name to your boat, whether it’s a yacht, a fishing vessel, a canoe, or even a model ship — and turn marinas and waterways into a living symbol of LGBTQ+ solidarity.

Reclaim his legacy, one vessel at a time.

A peaceful protest

A peaceful protest

How It Works?


PICK YOUR PATH TO JOIN
Get a decal or make your own. However you do it—if your boat says Harvey Milk, you’re in.

/ Download It: Grab the free PDF and print it yourself.

/ Name It Yourself: Use tape, paint, a beach towel, or a Sharpie. No sticker required.

SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE
/ Share it: Share it with #TheMilkFleet to join the fleet online.

Black and white portrait of a young man in a military uniform, wearing a white hat with an emblem and shoulder straps with stars.
Circular logo with the text 'The Milk Flleet' arranged in a circle around two black stars.

This Is
The Milk Fleet

A person paddling a white and red kayak on the water, viewed from above.
Close-up of a sailboat named Harvey Milk with the website themilkfleet.com visible, sailing on calm ocean waters under a cloudy sky.

MAKE WAVES

A black-and-white photo of a man outdoors on a grassy area with buildings and trees in the background, smiling and looking up.

This simple act transforms each vessel into a protest in motion, a symbol of defiance, and a beacon of LGBTQ+ solidarity.