We're proud to announce our Beacons of Badgerland!

In celebration of National LGBTQ History Month, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project announces our Beacons of Badgerland:  eight LGBTQ pioneers who have made significant lifetime contributions to Madison, Wisconsin:

• David Clarenbach
• Dan Curd
• Cass Marie Domino
• Meg Gaines
• Sue Goldwomon
• Callen Harty
• Bernie Hoes
• Sheri Swokowski

The Beacons of Badgerland include caregivers, veterans, activists, authors, entertainers, organizers, educators, legislators, storytellers, and public servants who have supported critical LGBTQ causes for decades -- often as unsung heroes who didn't expect or receive recognition.

This fall, the Beacons of Badgerland documentary will debut in Madison, followed by a traveling exhibit that will visit multiple Madison Metro locations throughout the fourth quarter.  We are proud to work with our production team: filmmaker Ashley Altadonna of Tall Lady Productions , photographer Mark "Za" Mariucci of the Tarlton Theater, and designer Megan Timmler to make this experience possible.

"Throughout history LGBTQ people have been oppressed and discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and gender identity," said Steve Starkey, executive director of OUTReach LGBTQ Community Center. "These courageous activists risked everything to create a movement that has changed history. We are grateful for the sacrifice they made to allow us to claim our civil rights and improve the quality of life for our communities."

The Beacons of Brew City project is dedicated to Madison elder statesman Richard "Dick" Wagner (1943-2021,) whose civil, political, and community service spanned more than five decades. Dick was the first openly gay member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors, as well as the co-chair of the first Governor's Council on Gay and Lesbian Rights in America. He was influential in coaching, developing, and lobbying for LGBTQ political candidates in public service. He was also a co-founder of the New Harvest Foundation, which supported critical LGBTQ causes and organizations for decades.  In his later years, Dick authored two books on Wisconsin's LGBTQ history:  "We've Been Here All Along" (2019) and "Coming Out, Moving Forward" (2020.)

"Systemic ageism is one of the biggest barricades standing between LGBTQ people and our own heritage," said Michail Takach, chair of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. "As our elders age, they often step away from nightlife, the workforce, community service, and the public eye. Unfortunately, they are often left on the outside looking in, feeling isolated from the community they helped build."

"However, it's the community that suffers the most. By disconnecting from elders, we disconnect ourselves from our own heritage cycle and destabilize our own strength. We lose sight of history, culture, and knowledge that we need more than ever."

Beacons of Badgerland follows the successful runs of Beacons of the Bay (Green Bay, January 2026) and Beacons of Brew City (Milwaukee, June 2026.)  In 2027, we will pursue the production of a coffee table book celebrating all 24 Wisconsin Beacons for their decades of service.

We are thankful to our local planning coalition, which includes Madison representatives from OUTReach LGBTQ Community Center, Fair Wisconsin, Our Lives Media, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. Visit our website for ongoing updates about our Beacons Project.

We are thankful for the generous financial support of  Potawatomi Bingo Casino in making the Beacons of Badgerland project possible.