More Articles | WI LGBTQ History Project

News Articles:

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 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.

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Blog Articles:

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

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

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 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

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.

June 17, 2024

Pam Mehnert and Lisa Malmarowski: consciously coupled

"Never date someone you work with" is fairly common advice. Meet two women who've defied it.

June 17, 2024

Shannon Dupree: breaking barriers to be seen

She was told to "stay in her lane." Instead, she chose to break all the rules -- and became a drag legend.

May 29, 2024

In Memoriam: Markie Anna Wenzel

When attracting unwanted attention because of her appearance, Markie would always say with grace, “well, that’s just the way God made me.”

April 29, 2024

Brenda Coley: building a healthier, stronger, louder community

"We have a real struggle now, and I don't think people fully understand what we're up against."

April 27, 2024

Brenda Hanus: the power of finding your people

When you're questioning everything about yourself, a supportive and welcoming community means the world.

April 26, 2024

DJ Shawna: dare to be the difference

Growing up without visible LGBTQ role models, Shawna Nicols wants to be the person she needed when she was younger.

April 12, 2024

Andy Bagnall: this is who I was meant to be

At the height of Milwaukee's AIDS crisis, this community caregiver found his calling.

April 12, 2024

Les Petites Bon Bons: the surprise in your Cracker Jacks

Skyrocketing from Milwaukee's South Shore to the Sunset Strip of the '70s, Les Petites Bon Bons became artists in residence in the glitter rock scene, court jesters for rock and roll royalty, and masterful manipulators of mass media.

March 31, 2024

Candi Stratton: confronting the hidden dangers of body work

After life-changing surgery, Candi speaks out against the medical black market and the cultural pressures trans women face.

March 29, 2024

Debi Vance and Cindy Olsheske: the dynamic duo

Together nearly 45 years, the couple has defined LGBTQ community involvement for decades.

March 25, 2024

Jerry Dreva: shattering the status quo

Jerry Dreva was a brilliant artist who never owned a gallery. His canvas was the life around him.

March 23, 2024

Eric Wynn: my life as a Club 219 girl

Erica Stevens was one of Milwaukee's most electrifying drag superstars of the early '80s -- until she walked away at the height of her fame.

March 01, 2024

Nik Santilli: rewriting the rules of gender expression

For most of the 20th century, gender expansive people lived in fear of sexual harassment under the mythical "three piece rule." In 1971, the Santilli case changed everything.