1978 Harvey Milk flirts with me at Texas Gay Conference V in Dallas

I was 20 years old and already a budding activist for equality. In 1978 I suspended my college studies and began working for Larry Lingle at Lobo Book Shop while I decided if I was on the right track in school. I was an openly gay man active in Democratic Party politics in Dallas and in Texas.

In the fall of 1978, the Texas Gay Conference V was held in Dallas. It was an annual gathering of gay men and lesbians beginning to organize on social and political issues. The star billing for the conference was San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in the United States.

Throughout the conference, Harvey flirted with me, and I appreciated the extra attention. I was by far the youngest person there, and definitely handsome with my blow-dry wings and shoulder-length hair, my 501 jeans, and my flannel shirts.

A few weeks later, Harvey Milk was gone.