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

"Keep the people who affirm and appreciate you close."

Heather (Mitchy) Gautsch has had a long and varied journey from her birthplace, Black River Falls, WI, around the world as a member of the military, and back to her roots in Wisconsin. 

During this geographical trek has been an expedition into, through, and beyond as they have come to understand and embrace their sexual and gender identity. Settling on she/they pronouns and known by many names during this exploratory time, they have been called Heather, Marie, Mitch,and Mitchy before finding that Mitchy is where they feel most at home and the name by which most of the community knows them. 

The military would be Mitchy’s base of operations for ten years before obtaining a medical retirement. Since their medical retirement, they have become a bit of a ‘jack/jill of all trades’, spending some time in the drag community as a drag king, doing security in clubs throughout Wisconsin, and now working as a case manager for a company that is funded by the Department of Labor. 

In the meantime, Mitchy continues to pursue education and is currently studying toward a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Arts and Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. All this while also holding two associate degrees from two technical colleges. 

Creativity is part and parcel of Mitchy’s identity, whether it is in the drag community, as an award-winning filmmaker, a freelance music artist, or a self-published poet. Mitchy’s first poem was published when they were the tender age of 16. Expressing themselves in myriad ways is an integral part of who they are. 

Mitchy’s military experience was gained through six years in the Wisconsin National Guard and four years with the United States Reserves. This service took them to far-flung places, including a tour of duty in Iraq. While they served during the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ era, they were also a passage to fully understand and express their sexuality and gender identity. Mitchy reflects on seeing themselves as a person of trans identity in their younger years and has traveled through a realm that is trans, non-binary, bisexual, and queer. 

If asked, at this point, which labels they embrace, Mitchy is quick to say bisexual and queer. Asked about support during the years when they were trying to recognize who they were, Mitchy says, "There was some support from biological family, but more support from friends and chosen family created through their presence on social media dated back to the MySpace era. I started being more accepting of myself after high school. I’ve had support, even in childhood, but it was hit or miss with how I was raised and where I was raised.” 

Additionally, with assumptions, Mitchy reasonably has concerns that some people will misidentify a bi person based upon their current partner, wrongly inferring they are a lesbian or straight. 

“It just ends up being a lot of unnecessary noise for potential relationships.” 

These false ideas, or statements, can be very harmful not only to dating life but also to your own emotional well-being. Mitchy would like to see people be much better educated about the bisexual plus community. 

“It’s a real struggle. People don’t want to sit down and get to know us. Instead of listening to us, they listen to third-party fallacies about the bi community or the person themselves. I feel as though they need to re-educate themselves about us. We are 60% of the LGBT community, and we deserve better treatment and better representation.” 

When asked about the positives of being bi, Mitchy speaks about her own maturity. 

“I feel more protected now, because I have the maturity to speak and be open about bisexuality. I have more friends who protect me, too. I feel more confident now to speak about my identity.” 

Now Mitchy sees themselves as someone who welcomes the diversity of the queer community and appreciates those who see their evolution. 

“The people who affirm and appreciate you are the ones you keep close. To be seen for my full identity matters, so I try to do the same for others.” 

Mitchy’s personal pride extends to her veteran community. They are a dedicated advocate for their fellow veterans. 

“I have plenty of vets who identify as LGBTQ. I am proud to sit down with them and provide them with unconditional love.” 

Mitchy provides positive support for LGBTQ veterans at the Outreach Community Center in Madison. 

“I’m the group facilitator for the group, which I started in late May. We meet every first and third Wednesday of the month from 7PM-9PM at the Outreach Center. I encourage younger generations and those who came before me in the service to participate.” 

Mentorship and community truly matter to these veterans, and it is a service that Mitchy feels proud and privileged to provide. In order for Mitchy to stay grounded, she remains a leader and mentor beyond the veteran community and continues to provide a bridge of mentorship and leadership with the Badgerland Pride Softball League, not just as a seasoned player but as a coach in Madison, Wisconsin, while continuing her advocacy for the veteran community as a whole. 

Looking forward, Mitchy maintains positivity. They would like to see more out and proud Queer politicians serving in state and federal legislatures to stand for change and hope. They would love to see a LGBTQ+ President in the near future. 

“We have a past to build on with such activists as Marsha P. Johnson and such pivotal events as the Stonewall Riot. We have the capacity to create change.” 

As someone who has changed and evolved in their lifetime, Mitchy’s advice seems sound. Their life of service has extended from their time in the military to the present. Their creativity enriches their activism -- and they are not done giving back.