The White House is set to honor an openly gay Georgia state lawmaker as one of 10 Harvey Milk Champions of Change.

White House officials say Democratic State Rep. Simone Bell is being recognized along with nine others Wednesday for their commitment to equality and public service.

The event falls on the birthday of Harvey Milk, who became one of the first openly gay people to serve in elected office when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.

Bell represents Georgia House District 58, which covers part of Atlanta and serves on the intergovernmental coordination, juvenile justice and human rights and aging committees.

Tags: Barack Obama, gays and lesbians, simone bell, champions of change