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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

A “lively city” steeped in tremendous LGBTQ history — in a state filled with national historic firsts — that the article doesn’t mention at all — during LGBT History Month? Wow. Way to miss the mark, GayCities. 😑

gaycities.com

How a gay East Coaster fell in love with Milwaukee-a lively city steeped in history - GayCities

As a gay-friendly city, Milwaukee is not to be slept on.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

They lit the torches. They carved the path. And they led the way. They're activists. Educators. Entertainers. Caregivers. Authors. Veterans. Legislators. And much, much more. Join us in elevating and celebrating their lived experiences at Beacons of Badgerland, coming to Madison this fall! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

ourliveswisconsin.com

‘Beacons of Badgerland’ documentary to honor eight Madison LGBTQ pioneers

A new Wisconsin LGBT History Project documentary and traveling exhibit will celebrate eight pioneers whose decades of work helped shape Madison’s LGBTQ community.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Festival season isn't over yet! Join us October 22-25 for BLAQtoberfest 2026, celebrating the future of Black, Brown, Latino, Indigenous, and LGBTQ communities. We are proud to sponsor BLAQtoberfest as an expression of our commitment to social justice. Learn more at blaqmke.com

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

We are proud to announce our Beacons of Badgerland: eight LGBTQ pioneers who have made significant lifetime contributions to Madison, Wisconsin, and the progress of our community. Watch for your invitation to our Beacons of Badgerland documentary, coming this fall! INFO: tinyurl.com/beaconsmad26 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

tinyurl.com

We're proud to announce our Beacons of Badgerland!

In honor of National LGBT History Month, our third and final chapter in the 2026 documentary series will honor eight Madison elders for their lifetime contributions.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

HAPPY MONDAY! We start the week with some exciting news. The State Historic Marker honoring This Is It is on its way to Milwaukee! Watch for updates as we plan our dedication ceremony, honoring the longest-running gay bar in Wisconsin history and the Brehm family legacy. #BeSeen

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Thank you, Rodney, for everything! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

This spring, we honored our Beacons of the Bay. This summer, we honored our Beacons of Brew City. This fall, we're proud to celebrate the Beacons of Badgerland -- eight Madison pioneers making significant lifetime contributions to Wisconsin LGBTQ history. Watch for our October 1 announcement! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Tickets are NOW ON SALE for Doors Open Milwaukee: Gayborhoods that are Gone! Get yours before the tours sell out -- and they always do -- at the Historic Milwaukee, website: SATURDAY 9/26 TOUR: tinyurl.com/saturdayGTAG SUNDAY 9/27 TOUR: tinyurl.com/sundayGTAG

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

As a celebrated entertainer, Miss Dee-Lovely has been tantalizing audiences since 1998. In today's feature story, learn how Miss Dee -- as an artist, writer, DJ, and activist -- continues to create connective and meaningful queer spaces in western Wisconsin. STORY: tinyurl.com/deelovely26

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

COMING SOON: Beacons of Badgerland, the third and final chapter in our documentary series celebrating LGBTQ elders who transformed Wisconsin, launches October 1. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Fifty-five years ago, Donna Burkett and Manonia Evans were denied a marriage license in Milwaukee. Demanding justice, they filed one of the first marriage equality cases ever filed in the US. Donna, now 80, shares the story in this month's Our Lives Magazine: tinyurl.com/donnab26

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Today is the inaugural Lesbian History Day! Lesbian History Day brings the community together by remembering our yesterdays. Explore our website today to learn more about Wisconsin's lesbian heritage. Learn more about Lesbian History Day, supported by The Curve Foundation: lesbianhistoryday.com

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

How amazing that Jackie Shane is getting her own archives at the Vanderbilt Special Collections! If you still haven’t seen the ANY OTHER WAY documentary, now is the time, hon….it is one of the most inspiring and powerful stories we’d seen in years. ❤️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈❤️

eventbrite.com

The Roots of Her Rhythm: Jackie Shane Archives Opening Reception

Vanderbilt Special Collections is officially opening the Jackie Shane Archives to the public! Join us for a reception and pop-up exhibit.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

When hate got loud, Susan Seiler (1943-2025) made sure love was louder. After standing up to evangelical protesters at PrideFest Milwaukee, Susan became a symbol of family acceptance and the ambassador of a beloved annual tradition. Here's her story: tinyurl.com/susanseiler26

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

"Renewal fever" had Milwaukee in its grip in the 1970s. Every effort was made to eliminate blight and revitalize downtown. Sadly, "blight" was often code for queer spaces like the Royal Hotel (435 W. Michigan St.,) which was razed for the Blue Cross Blue Shield project. @onmilwaukee.bsky.social

onmilwaukee.com

Urban spelunking: I. M. Pei's unrealized Milwaukee plans

Gas prices this year have affected construction in Milwaukee, but it's not clear that projects have been canceled due to those pressures. The same was not true in 1973-4 when Milwaukee almost got not ...

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Betty Boop’s story is about so much more than the spotlight. Before there was Betty Boop, there was Omar Pomales—and a family that taught him what it meant to love without conditions. Learn more in this month's Our Lives Magazine feature story. #BeSeen 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

ourliveswisconsin.com

Betty Boop’s Legacy of Love

For more than two decades, Omar Pomales, known onstage as Betty Boop, has used drag, mentorship, and community service to bring people together across Milwaukee. Behind the glamour is a [...]

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Did you know? Our founder, Don Schwamb, was also the founding vice president of the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (1985) -- the organization that continues to provide high-quality HIV/AIDS care today as Vivent Health. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @viventhealth.bsky.social

milwaukeemag.com

Inside Vivent Health: What 40 Years of Care Looks Like

This Milwaukee-based nonprofit is changing the medical landscape through consistency and empathy.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

We sure love us some Jeremy Novy! Thanks to UP Magazine for showcasing his worldwide work. ❤️ STORY: upmag.com/a-fascinatio...

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Last summer, we relaunched our Places Directory -- listing 550+ historic queer spaces throughout Wisconsin. Now, we're relaunching our Organizations -- and we need your help! If your org is NOT listed on our site, let's get you listed. Reach out today to info@wislgbthistory.com! #BeSeen 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Forty-four years after Wisconsin became the Gay Rights State, employers still use “cultural fit” to isolate, ostracize, and “coach out” LGBTQ employees. Check out the latest Our Lives Magazine!

ourliveswisconsin.com

The Gap Between Rights and Reality

Harrison Otradovec says discrimination made him feel invisible. Today, he is using what he endured to support others and demand that workplaces do better.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Pride festivals get all the love, attention, and revenue. But who keeps the doors of LGBTQ community centers open every day -- as the greatest needs just keep on growing? Meet two Wisconsin leaders who are on the front lines of the fight -- 24/7/365. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

ourliveswisconsin.com

A Growing Funding Crisis

The rainbow flags and sponsorships disappear after June, leaving LGBTQ+ nonprofits to face the realities of year-round service with shrinking and fragile resources.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Saturday, Sept. 12: join us at ComedySportz Milwaukee for Laughing Liberally Milwaukee! Amaad Rivera-Wagner, of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project Board of Directors, will discuss the past, present, and future of LGBTQ life in our state. RSVP & TICKETS: www.facebook.com/share/191zcR...

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

It's National Nonprofit Week! This week, we're celebrating the leaders who are transforming our organization into an equitable, representative and socially just non-profit for Wisconsin's future. Visit our website to read their stories: www.wislgbthistory.com/about-us/boa...

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

On August 5 -- the 65th anniversary of the Black Nite Uprising -- we shared the sad news that the monument had been vandalized. But today, we have much more uplifiting news to share. PRESS RELEASE: tinyurl.com/blacknite26b

tinyurl.com

Black Nite Uprising restoration exceeds fundraising goal in one week

Within seven days, a passionate local community came together to replace, reinstall, and restore this meaningful local LGBTQ landmark in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Thank you to Gaye Magazine for sharing our story. We are thankful for the relentless support of our civic and community partners, generous donors, and all-volunteer team. Together, we will make the Black Nite RISE AGAIN. ✊✊✊

gayemagazine.com

Wisconsin’s First LGBTQ Historic Marker Found Vandalized on Its Anniversary - Gaye Magazine

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

We have been humbled -- like you wouldn't believe -- by the meaningful donations from our community to bring this landmark back to life. Within the past 72 hours, we've raised over $600 to repair, restore, and return this landmark to its rightful home. (1/3)

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Growing up in a world that did not allow them to be seen, many elders are living with the anxieties and traumas of being "found out." We applaud the Queer Elders Project for helping our pioneers step out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Learn more in Our Lives Magazine. #BeSeen 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

ourliveswisconsin.com

The Queer Elders Project

Through portraits and personal histories, photographer Alyssa Lentz explores the often overlooked parts of love, family, and quiet acts of care that shape the lives of LGBTQ+ elders across the [...]

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

September is Bisexual Visibility Month. Despite being a massive population -- 59% of LGBTQ people and 5% of U.S. adults -- bisexuals remain the least understood. We're seeking people to share THEIR stories and help us explode bisexual myths. Interested? Contact us at info@wislgbthistory.com. 🩷💜💙

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Bravo to the UWM Historic Preservation Institute! If only this innovative technology had existed earlier, what wonders we would know about historic queer spaces that were never photographed, advertised, or even publicly known. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @uwmilwaukee.bsky.social

milwaukeemag.com

Preserving Milwaukee History One Laser Scan at a Time

The director of UW-Milwaukee’s Historic Preservation Institute is using low cost scans to preserve buildings before demolition.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

In Milwaukee, the only organized crime connected to early gay bars was an elaborate police payoff system that lasted until 1976. But the parallels are real: the same system that made a downtown gayborhood possible by 1948 was financially exploiting the inequity of its customers.

attitude.co.uk

The Stonewall Inn and the Mafia: Did organised crime protect or exploit queer New York?

Attitude investigates the unlikely alliance between the Mob and New York's persecuted LGBTQ+ community in the 20th century.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

With so many documented facts to celebrate, we’re always perplexed by the lore-ification of LGBTQ history, which creates a mythical misunderstanding of actual events — that become widely accepted and fiercely defended as truth. See also: Cooper’s Do-Nuts. 💁🏼‍♂️

lgbtqnation.com

The 'Black Cat gay riot' is well-known... it's also a myth - LGBTQ Nation

When cops wreaked havoc at the Black Cat Tavern, history labelled it "a riot"... but what really happened there?

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Growing up, Blake was convinced he had to leave his Northwoods hometown just to be himself. Today, he is one of the most visible out leaders in north central Wisconsin -- and that visibility is moving Marathon County forward. #BeSeen 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

ourliveswisconsin.com

Hometown Pride

Growing up, Blake Opal-Wahoske didn’t think Wausau was a place where a gay person could thrive. By choosing to stay, and by helping others feel seen and valued, he became [...]

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Reposted by Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project

Community Shares of Wisconsin @commshareswi.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

For decades, they've built community, broken barriers, and made Wisconsin a more welcoming place. Now, four remarkable leaders are being recognized by @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social or the lasting impact they've made—and continue to make. 🌈 ourliveswisconsin.com/article/wisc...

ourliveswisconsin.com

Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project Announces 2026 BeSeen Award Honorees

Four trailblazers recognized for advancing LGBTQ visibility, history, and community across Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project @wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

September is Bisexual Awareness Month at the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. For the third year in a row, we're partnering with Bi+ Pride Milwaukee to elevate and celebrate bisexual community with a monthlong feature story series. (1/2)

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