More Articles | WI LGBTQ History Project

News Articles:

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

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 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 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 12, 2024

Tom Goss: from late bloomer to L.A. breakthrough

Tom Goss’s journey, from college wrestler to Catholic seminarian to beloved queer musician, is a story of resilience and reinvention.

July 01, 2024

George Poage: the thrill of victory, the agony of being seen

Celebrating the triumph of Wisconsin’s first gay Black Olympian: George Coleman Poage.

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.

June 14, 2024

Sandy Brown: saying 'we're here' since 1976

Even after five decades of award-winning activism, Sandy doesn't feel she's done anything significant. "I'm just persistent -- like a splinter in your shoe."

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

Emily Mills: make your life something to remember

"No matter who you are, know that there are people who look up to you."

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

Tanya Atkinson: we will never be silent

At a time when both LGBTQ rights and women's rights are under attack, Tanya reminds us that we are strongest together.

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

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.