More Articles | WI LGBTQ History Project

News Articles:

November 22, 2024

Celebrate "80 Years of Gay" at Fluid Milwaukee

We're raising money to protect Wisconsin's first LGBTQ historic marker -- at an address that has been a queer destination for eight decades.

August 19, 2024

Visit "Gayborhoods that are Gone!"

We're proud to partner with Historic Milwaukee to bring back this fan-favorite walking tour.

August 19, 2024

You're invited to an Old Fashioned History Party

Do you know an LGBTQ elder with inspiring stories and amazing photos? Do you worry what might happen to that history after they're gone?

August 12, 2024

Don Schwamb retires from History Project leadership

After three decades of service, our founder passes the torch to the next generation.

August 05, 2024

We've heard your concerns

Together, we will create a more just, equitable, and compassionate society where everyone is free to live authentically and without fear.

June 05, 2024

Wisconsin dedicates first LGBTQ historic landmark

The Black Nite Brawl was Wisconsin's first LGBTQ uprising -- eight years before Stonewall -- and triggered a social awakening that changed history forever.

May 20, 2024

2024 is the Summer to Be Seen

We're celebrating our 30th anniversary with a whirlwind tour of Wisconsin's hometown pride festivals. Join us!

May 16, 2024

Shared Statement: our response to internship concerns

We need to address the concerns raised since Friday’s announcement of our new intern.

October 09, 2023

Celebrate National LGBT History Month

Join Mayor Cavalier Johnson, representatives from the Governor's Office, Milwaukee County Executive's Office and Milwaukee Common Council, and The HIVE employer resource group for our annual dedication of National LGBT History Month.

October 09, 2023

Explore Seven Generations of Glamour

Join authors Michail Takach and BJ Daniels for an immersive presentation, Q&A, and book signing in honor of National LGBT History Month.

October 08, 2023

Black Nite is named Wisconsin’s first LGBTQ landmark

On Monday, Nov. 14, the Milwaukee County Landmarks Committee unanimously approved historic landmark designation for the site of the Black Nite Uprising (400 N. Plankinton Ave.,) the first documented act of LGBTQ resistance in Wisconsin history.

October 08, 2023

Forever Young celebrates connectivity of 21-below nightlife

The Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, in partnership with the History Press, recently announced the launch of its next book project, "Forever Young,” celebrating Wisconsin's "teen club" culture of the 1980s.

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Blog Articles:

November 16, 2024

Goldie Adams: never take freedom for granted

After forty plus years of drag performances, Goldie shares her colorful story for the first time.

November 15, 2024

David Clarenbach: grinding the gears of the Gay Rights State

After five decades as an LGBTQ freedom fighter, David shares how our past victories can inspire our resistance ahead.

October 30, 2024

Barb Coyle: a lifetime of music, community and love

For nearly 20 years, Barb's weekly radio show broke local barriers for women's music.

October 29, 2024

In Memoriam: Ginger Baier

Ginger will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her passion for helping others, and her relentless commitment to an authentic life.

October 28, 2024

Honey LaBronx: an unstoppable force for social change

After a lifetime of self-acceptance, resilience, and activism, Ben made his childhood dreams come true in New York City.

October 27, 2024

Jeremy Novy: making queer history in the streets

Jeremy's koi fish have decorated Milwaukee streets since 2006. Now he's bringing LGBTQ history alive worldwide.

October 18, 2024

Kenya Black Dupree: give yourself a chance to live

As a high school sophomore, she was the first out trans girl to attend Milwaukee Public Schools. Decades later, she shares her triumphant story.

October 16, 2024

Eldon Murray: the father of gay liberation

Gay people were not supposed to be seen or heard -- until Eldon Murray broke all the rules.

October 15, 2024

Patrick Bergen: aces for the win

Misunderstood and misrepresented no more: Patrick Bergen and Fluently Aspec are empowering Wisconsin's ace community to be seen.

October 14, 2024

In Memoriam: Lucia Nunez

Lucia was one of Madison’s most influential LGBTQ changemakers, giving voice to those who felt they had none.

October 13, 2024

Samantha Stevens: the mother of Milwaukee drag

Producing sensational shows with top-tier talent, Samantha ushered in a Golden Age of Milwaukee drag.

October 11, 2024

Si Smits: champion of cycles, saloons, and charities

Over 50 years ago, Si Smits was one of the first out, proud and confident gay men ever seen on local TV.

October 10, 2024

Marlo Rhodes: being seen for six decades

Trans youth of the 1960s weren't welcome at home or safe on the streets. Now 80, Marlo Rhodes shares her stories of survival.

October 09, 2024

Barbara Hayden: the nights belonged to us

Nearly seventy years after taking a summer job that changed her life forever, Barbara reflects on what the LGBTQ community has gained -- and lost -- since 1956.

October 08, 2024

Liberace: the spark that made Milwaukee spectacular

One can only imagine what the most visible and vocal gay man of the 20th century could have achieved – if only he had been allowed to be himself.

October 06, 2024

Frank Blunt: legendary boss of the Bad Lands

He smoked, drank, gambled, hustled, and womanized like no other man in Milwaukee. And, one fateful day in 1893, Milwaukee learned why.

October 05, 2024

Francis Dubois / Frances Outcault: a queer second chance at life

This “female husband” found a way to still be Frank -- even after they were outed and made to live as a woman.

October 04, 2024

Chef Gregory Leon: serving life's greatest moments

Chef Gregory León, nationally recognized owner of Milwaukee’s Amilinda restaurant, serves flavors from Spain and Portugal with a side of social responsibility.

October 03, 2024

Evanna Breedlove: a lifetime of love and magic

Over thirty years after moving to New York City, Evanna reflects on growing up Black and trans in the dance clubs and drag cabarets of Wisconsin.

October 02, 2024

Georgia Henry: conquering fear and hate with love

For twenty-five years, Georgia has helped countless LGBTQ people and their families feel safe and supported through PFLAG Wisconsin.

October 01, 2024

George Schneider: we are not going backwards

From teenage runaway to beverage boss, George has lived a lifetime of community service and action.

September 28, 2024

Blaise Keller: there's no right or wrong way to be who you are

For a long time, Blaise knew he was bisexual, but he lacked the language and the confidence to express himself.

September 27, 2024

Michelle Guzman: never shy away from who you are

For years, Michelle struggled with impostor syndrome. How could she be bisexual if she was married to a man?

September 23, 2024

Mark Neufang: let yourself be you

The first time Mark came out, he came out as bisexual. Decades later, he realized he was right the first time.

September 19, 2024

Victor Raymond: show the world who we are

After five decades of bisexual activism, Victor still has miles to go before he sleeps.

September 17, 2024

Sarah Wallisch: restoring the B in LGBT

Sarah couldn't find the bisexual community she was looking for, so she decided to create it.

September 17, 2024

JoCasta Zamarippa: the world needs bisexual heroes

She was told a bisexual could never win an election. Now, she's leading change at City Hall.

September 16, 2024

Grace Moone: my life as a bi beacon

For years, Grace struggled to fully claim her identity, due to the erasure she witnessed -- even within LGBTQ spaces.

September 16, 2024

Melissa Faliveno: piecing together the puzzle

Melissa didn't really perceive herself as being queer, but looking back, she could see the puzzle pieces were always there.

September 06, 2024

JoAnna Bautch: committed to leading change

As a proud bisexual woman, JoAnna has seen exclusion and erasure. Learn how she's challenging the community to be better.

September 06, 2024

Liza Kessler: a lifetime of ambitious activism

Liza's journey inspired her to create, protect, and grow the community she needed when she was younger.

September 05, 2024

Katie Dahl: unapologetically own who you are

Growing up Evangelical Baptist, Katie came out twice as bisexual: once privately, and once publicly and professionally.

September 05, 2024

Travis Lynch: building community, compassion, and respect

He grew up without roles models or representation. Now, as a bisexual Black entertainer, he's creating both for our community.

August 28, 2024

Dave Wolz: from first-time customer to legacy owner

"Big Gay Dave" was a fixture of the Milwaukee gay scene, but it took him a while to actually come out.

August 13, 2024

Satya Rhodes-Conway: "now is the time to come together"

Madison's second female mayor made history in 2019 as Wisconsin's first out lesbian mayor.

August 12, 2024

Edgar Burnham: a transformation of sex in Civil War Era Wisconsin

The “mysterious female man” became national news in early 1868.

August 07, 2024

Peter Burgelis: seizing his seat at the table

“LGBTQ is a big umbrella. As a cis white male, I have a lot of privilege that others under that umbrella don’t.”

July 25, 2024

Jack Feria: a champion for queer cinema

Helping LGBTQ people feel seen on the silver screen for over a decade.

July 19, 2024

Ashley Altadonna: be true to who you are

“Being transgender often means coming out – more than once – to people who may or may not believe you,”

July 19, 2024

Francesca Wilson: bringing innovation to nightlife

A world traveler returns to her hometown with a mission to bring an inclusive, international sensibility to queer Milwaukee nightlife.

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