More Articles | WI LGBTQ History Project

News Articles:

August 01, 2025

New York City exhibit celebrates the courage of Les Petites Bon Bons

We're proud to honor the legacy of Les Petites Bon Bons at the 2025 Printed Matter Art Book Fair September 11-14.

June 02, 2025

Celebrating our 2025 BeSeen Award winners

Five Wisconsin trailblazers honored for 200+ years of community service

May 19, 2025

"Living, Not Just Surviving" honors Cass Marie Domino

Art exhibition runs June 2 - September 12 at the Wisconsin Union

May 13, 2025

State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner Joins Our Board

Wisconsin leader will guide nonprofit's next chapter of community service

April 01, 2025

Milwaukee celebrates living legend Sharon Dixon

"Old Timers" cabaret show raises $2,600 to support a community elder's next chapter in life

April 01, 2025

What can you do to support inclusive education in Wisconsin?

Join Origins Workshop with Fair Wisconsin and the History Project on Saturday, May 17

March 19, 2025

Celebrating the story of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center

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

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!

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.

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!

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Blog Articles:

October 17, 2025

John Erickson: changing the world with powerful purpose

Powered by a passion for community service, John's journey has taken him from the streets of small town Wisconsin to serving as Mayor of West Hollywood.

October 01, 2025

Kathy Flores: from preacher's daughter to passionate changemaker

For decades, Kathy has been a voice for the voiceless, including abuse survivors, migrants, and the trans community.

September 30, 2025

Heather Gautsch: from "Don't Ask Don't Tell" to outspoken activist

Meet Heather Gautsch, a Wisconsin artist, veteran, and force for change in the community.

September 29, 2025

Kevin Perdue: born and raised by queer revolution

Meet Kevin Perdue, who shares how an activist upbringing helped him embrace his bisexual, demisexual, and leather identities.

September 22, 2025

Lilli Petsch-Horvath: finding herself, finding her people

Meet Lilli Petsch-Horvath, who shares how her self-acceptance journey spanned not only decades, but continents.

September 18, 2025

Zach Noland: setting the record not-so-straight

Meet Zach Noland, who explodes myths and misconceptions about the "right" way to be bisexual.

September 15, 2025

Johanna Kaye: unlocking a life without limits

Meet Johanna Kaye, who shares how she moved from isolation to inclusion through self-acceptance.

September 11, 2025

Ken Kinlow: bring your whole self to the table

We're honoring bisexual visibility throughout September and beyond! Meet Ken Kinlow, who shares his journey as a bisexual Black man, husband, and father.

September 08, 2025

Lexy Lunger: self-acceptance is a superpower

We're honoring bisexual visibility throughout September and beyond! Meet Lexy Lunger, who shares how she overcame bisexual stigmas and stereotypes to become her very best self.

September 01, 2025

Evan Kind: leading bisexual acceptance, alliance, and activism

We're honoring bisexual visibility throughout September and beyond! Meet Evan Kind, who shares his journey of self-acceptance, enlightenment, and activation as a community leader.

July 15, 2025

Mistruss Lola: celebrating 55 years of drag and defiance

As she approaches the grand finale of a five-decade career, one of Wisconsin's oldest and longest-performing queens shares her courageous life story.

May 31, 2025

Kurt Dyer: building a better world for Wisconsin youth

Over 25 years after founding Project Q, Kurt reflects on creating a lasting legacy.

May 27, 2025

Ricardo Galaviz: no more sacrificing my authenticity

Growing up within conflicting cultures and identities, Ricky found friends, family and a path forward at Project Q.

May 19, 2025

Robert Lambert: an outrageous life of avant-garde activism

By daring to challenge the world, Bobby created a legacy that continues to inspire and provoke.

May 04, 2025

Diana Mixalakopoulou: gorgeous glimpses of the Golden Age of Drag

Forty years ago, she photographed the legendary Club 219 showgirls for a film school project. Now, the Diana Diary has become living history.

April 27, 2025

Ruby Peterson: a story of secret love, courage, and sacrifice

Decades after her grandmother's death, Gayla discovered that her grandfather was neither Ruby's first love -- nor her first spouse.

April 26, 2025

DeShanda Williams-Clark: living life without ceilings

Coming out at 15, DeShanda learned first-hand why inclusive and supportive resources matter for queer youth of color.

April 22, 2025

Annie Hindle: America's first celebrity drag king

When actresses could be seen but not heard, Annie Hindle conquered the American stage not as a woman -- but as a man.

April 21, 2025

Abigail Swetz: let your visibility be a beacon

Raised with a socially just worldview, Abby now leads Fair Wisconsin, the state's premier LGBTQ advocacy organization.

April 06, 2025

Camille Farrington & Vicki Shaffer: standing up for students

Thirty years ago, two determined Wisconsin educators took a stand so that LGBTQ students could feel seen.

March 31, 2025

Dr. Jamie Buth: "I want to be this person forever"

Dr. Jamie Buth has forged an inspiring career filled with activism, advocacy, and, above all, compassionate care for the trans community.

March 29, 2025

Erv Uecker & Ross Walker: love is the message

Together for nearly 67 years, Ross and Erv were partners in life, love, and building a better world for us all.

March 22, 2025

The Pride Society: celebrating the ten percent since 1983

At a critical moment in Wisconsin history, four determined students stepped up to be seen -- and dared to change the world.

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 26, 2025

Ritchie T. Martin Jr: learning to trust the journey

As a gay Black youth, he found himself at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. Today, he's leading the center's future.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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