More Articles | WI LGBTQ History Project

News Articles:

March 19, 2025

Celebrating the story of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center

Storytelling collaboration will showcase the Center's heart, history, and heritage.

March 09, 2025

Saying goodbye to This Is It

Wisconsin's oldest gay bar -- and one of the ten oldest in the USA -- closed March 9 after six decades of service.

March 08, 2025

We're making history at Dancing With Our Stars

Dan Terrio joined this year's competition to raise critical funding for local LGBTQ history and heritage.

March 01, 2025

The Legends of Drag are coming to Titletown

Join us Friday, March 28 for a night of rare archival footage, live performances, guest speakers, and more!

March 01, 2025

Pride organizers: complete our Wisconsin Proud Survey

We've set a goal to document, preserve, elevate and celebrate your stories of community activation throughout summer 2025.

February 28, 2025

Celebrating Sharon Dixon: a warrior of women’s history

Join us Sunday, March 30 for an afternoon of sisterhood -- as we proudly celebrate a living legend!

February 03, 2025

"Hearts for History" celebrates love and acceptance

Honor your loved ones -- while helping our community secure a more inclusive future.

January 31, 2025

We proudly celebrate Black History Month

This month, we'll be showcasing the Black changemakers who are making Wisconsin history.

January 21, 2025

Free online workshop supports inclusive Wisconsin educators

Origins, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22, will share strategies on teaching LGBTQ history in challenging times.

January 15, 2025

Ricardo Wynn joins our Board of Directors

Visionary new leader will guide the next chapter of nonprofit transformation

January 01, 2025

Forever Young celebrates the connectivity of 21-below nightlife

New book project explores how all-ages clubs shaped LGBTQ identity, community, and society for a generation.

December 16, 2024

The Summer to Be Seen Tour returns in 2025!

We're bringing LGBTQ history and heritage to the hometown streets of Wisconsin. Join the celebration!

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:

March 21, 2025

Jane LaFlash: the mom Madison chose

After her son came out, Jane chose to make a difference by educating, supporting and strengthening Madison families.

March 19, 2025

Rae Thompson: burning bright and being seen

As a third-generation Wisconsin educator, Rae is overcoming hate, exclusion and erasure with an unstoppable spirit.

March 17, 2025

Dr. Tina Owen-Moore: teaching a path to peace

Dr. Owen-Moore has dedicated her career to creating safe, welcoming and nurturing spaces for all students.

February 27, 2025

Marquise Mays: storytelling seasoned with social justice

As a storyteller, archivist, and advocate, Marquise Mays is committed to truth-telling in all its forms.

February 26, 2025

Rosha Brister: determined to manifest her dreams

By launching a new Black-owned, women-owned, lesbian-owned business, Rosha is building a bold legacy of inclusion.

February 26, 2025

Sarah Woods: we have the power to create change

Whether in the office or behind the turntables, Sarah’s mission is the same: to inspire, uplift, and create space.

February 25, 2025

Matthew Lewis: move in the direction of love

As a poet, storyteller, and strategist, Matthew has learned how to connect with his dreams and claim his destiny.

February 24, 2025

Jamal Perry: standing in his truth

Growing up, Jamal didn't see queer Black representation in his world. He chose to be the difference.

February 23, 2025

Aaleh Hughes: don't be scared to be yourself

As a performing artist, showrunner, and emerging leader, Aaleh is inspiring and uplifting Wisconsin's next generation.

February 20, 2025

DJ Femme Noir: trust your track record

From choir to Motown to the Milwaukee Bucks, music has always been in Tempestt's DNA.

February 17, 2025

Tyrone Creech: we will not be quiet

As a fifth-generation Madison leader, taking care of the community is part of Tyrone's family legacy.

February 10, 2025

Dezjorn Gauthier: the future is ours

Dezjorn is passionately committed to uplifting the Black trans community in Milwaukee and beyond.

February 07, 2025

Rai Hudson: forging a more inclusive future

"We are survivors. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we will get through this."

February 06, 2025

Didi Darnell: celebrating the last showgirl

As a lifelong artist, costumer, and drag performer, Ken was the last survivor of a legendary cast of characters.

December 16, 2024

Jamie Nabozny: don't let anyone steal your future

After suffering homophobic abuse for years, Jamie filed a landmark lawsuit that changed American legal history.

November 30, 2024

Del Slowik: celebrating the Golden Age of Club 219

A chance encounter on a Milwaukee beach ignited the romance of a lifetime -- and launched a legendary gay nightspot's 25-year reign.

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.

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