Foreshadowing his 1978 death, he said, “If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door”

On the October 15, 2025 episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy clue fell under the category Public Figures. The clue was:
“Foreshadowing his 1978 death, he said, ‘If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door.'”

Who is Harvey Milk?

This quote is one of the most poignant in American political history, attributed to Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. Milk served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and became a national symbol of LGBTQ+ political advancement during the 1970s. His assassination in 1978, along with Mayor George Moscone, shocked the country. Milk’s words—spoken before his death—reflected both his courage and awareness of the risks he faced in a time when homophobia was not only widespread but often violently expressed.

Harvey Milk’s Rise to Public Office

Before entering politics, Harvey Milk had a varied career, including stints as a teacher, insurance actuary, and camera shop owner. After moving to San Francisco in the early 1970s, he became increasingly involved in political activism, particularly around LGBTQ+ rights. His third campaign for city supervisor in 1977 proved successful, and his election marked a turning point in American politics—he became one of the first openly gay individuals to hold public office in the United States.

Milk’s platform was focused not only on LGBTQ+ issues but also on broader civil rights, affordable housing, and opposition to police harassment. He built coalitions across communities, including labor unions and senior citizen groups, which contributed to his political success. He also helped push forward legislation to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in San Francisco.

A Quote That Echoed Through History

The quote featured in the Final Jeopardy clue was recorded by Milk himself as part of a series of tapes he made in case of his assassination. He was well aware of the dangers associated with being a visible and vocal gay leader during a period of intense backlash. The phrase “let that bullet destroy every closet door” became symbolic of his mission: to encourage LGBTQ+ individuals to live openly and authentically, and to challenge societal norms that forced them into secrecy.

This prophetic statement took on greater significance following Milk’s murder on November 27, 1978. Former city supervisor Dan White entered City Hall and fatally shot both Milk and Mayor Moscone. The killings led to national mourning and widespread protests, especially after White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter instead of murder—a verdict that sparked the now-infamous White Night Riots in San Francisco.

Milk’s Enduring Legacy

Since his death, Harvey Milk has remained an enduring icon for equality and justice. His life has been the subject of numerous documentaries, books, and a 2008 Oscar-winning film Milk, starring Sean Penn. In 2009, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Milk’s legacy continues through institutions and movements bearing his name, including the Harvey Milk Foundation, which promotes global LGBTQ+ rights and civic engagement. His story is taught in schools and commemorated each year on Harvey Milk Day, observed in California on May 22, his birthday.

A Reminder Through Jeopardy

Final Jeopardy clues often serve as reminders of historical turning points and cultural icons. This particular clue not only tested contestants’ knowledge but also brought renewed attention to the sacrifices made by early LGBTQ+ leaders. Milk’s courage, foresight, and tragic end remain a crucial part of American civil rights history.

The quote selected for the clue reflects the personal risk he accepted and the broader social movement he helped catalyze. In highlighting Harvey Milk’s story, Jeopardy! once again underscored its role as more than a quiz show—it’s also a platform for remembering those who shaped the world through vision and sacrifice.