To this day, I find that we continue to depersonalize our brothers and sisters. Whether it's because of what they look like, what they practice, who they love, how they act or simply put, for who they are, we are guilty. I haven't found any reason as to why people do this. I can't even admit to any "maybe's" as to why they would. Although I feel this way, I'd have to say that it hadn't truly touched me deeply until I was introduced to Harvey Milk. I've never, not once, felt I was anti-gay, but that doesn't mean I spoke up for homosexuals either. And I don't think my generation understands how heavy the issue is when they use the word "gay" so lightly. It's degrading. People say "We don't mean it in that way." But where the hell was it derived from? That's what I thought. It's absolutely not okay. And once I watched The Times of Harvey Milk, I felt it was time for me to actually do something about it. I broke my habit immediately. I tried and still try to show people my understanding behind it, why it's so horrifying but I haven't come close to affecting anyone, unlike Harvey Milk. Harvey Milk was a tremendous role model of the gay community. He meant so much to others. Because of Harvey, gays knew it was okay to be themselves. And I'm not saying because of Milk, I am able to express who I am but I know who I want to be and what I want to stand for. When I ask others to consider using other words than "That's so gay," they respond, "Are you offended? Are you gay? Why does it matter?" Yes, I am offended! Just because I'm not gay doesn't mean I'll tolerate such depersonalization and degradation. It's a fundamental belief of mine and it does matter, it matters tremendously. In Harvey Milk I have found an idol. Milk was someone who wasn't afraid to make a difference, someone who wasn't going to curb his tongue, someone who doesn't plan on letting anything or anyone take them down. Although I am obliged to use past tense in describing my role model, I feel Harvey Milk has affected me in a way no one else can. Because of Milk, I have made a promise to always keep the fight alive in me and not to fear initiatives towards change. Because of my Harvey Milk, I am a step closer to defining exactly who I want to be.