"Beacons of Brew City" documentary debuts Tuesday, June 16 in Milwaukee

They ignited the torches. They blazed the trail. They guided our path forward. Along the way, they made Milwaukee a better place to live, work, play, and love -- despite the tremendous challenges and obstacles of earlier times.

We're celebrating the stories of our "Beacons of Brew City," eight living LGBTQ elders whose lifetime experiences, contributions, and achievements are a valuable lesson for us all.

"Beacons of Brew City," a multimedia documentary experience, will debut at Milwaukee's Oriental Theater with a red carpet opening night on Tuesday, June 16.

Our eight Beacons of Brew City include:

• Casper Garcia
• Dynasty Scott
• Eloise McPike
• Reverend Janis K. Doleschal
• Israel Ramon
• Shannon Dupree
• Jack H. Smith
• Karen Valentine

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The Beacons project, made possible by a generous grant from the Eldon E. Murray Foundation Fund and Potawatomi Casino Hotel, explores the history of LGBTQ progress in Wisconsin, through the voices of those who fought on the front lines for liberation, equality, and social justice across six decades. The Beacons project includes a gallery exhibit, guest speakers, a video documentary screening, and a live panel discussion, Q&A, and photo opportunities with the Beacons themselves.

"Too often, our LGBTQ elders are only honored after they're gone," said Michail Takach, chair of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. "The Beacons of Brew City event is that rare moment we don't always get: a moment to not only show people how much they mean to us, but to celebrate everything they've done for us in their lifetime."

"The Beacons project is just another way we are reconnecting our community to its heritage," Takach explained. "For a variety of reasons, LGBTQ people have long suffered from a lack of intergenerational connections, which has only destabilized and diminished our shared understanding of who we are, where we came from, and how we got to here."

"Like every other community throughout human history, we have much to learn from our elders."

No advance purchase or reservation is necessary.  Tickets, limited to 200 people, will be sold at the door.  Your tax-deductible donation of $10 per person supports the ongoing work of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project throughout the region.

The Beacons exhibit will rotate to various Milwaukee locations throughout the summer, including:

• Milwaukee City Hall Rotunda (June 1-10)
• ArtBar (June 11-14)
• Style Pop Cafe (June 15-21)
• Milwaukee County Courthouse Rotunda (June 22-July 3)
• Milwaukee Central Library (July 6-July 24)
• Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (July 27-31)

The Beacons of Brew City exhibit is dedicated to Eldon Murray, the "father of gay liberation," who used his voice, visibility and privilege (when others could or would not) to transform Wisconsin. As one of the founding members of Gay People's Union, Eldon unknowingly planted the roots of almost every LGBTQ organization currently operating in Milwaukee.

The Beacons Project will continue in Madison with "Beacons of Badgerland," coming in late 2026.  We are currently seeking grant funding, sponsors, and donors to complete the third chapter in this groundbreaking series.

Many thanks to our documentary producer, Ashley Altadonna of Tall Lady Productions.  We also thank photographer Mark Mariucci and graphic designer Megan Timmler for donating their talents to the project.  Special thanks to Milwaukee Film for being a supportive host and partner!

Questions? Contact us!