Who will be the Beacons of Badgerland?

On October 1, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project will announce ours Beacons of Badgerland:  eight living LGBTQ elders whose lifetime contributions to Madison, Wisconsin have transformed our community.

The Beacons of Badgerland include entertainers, activists, organizers, educators, culture keepers, storytellers, and public servants who have supported critical LGBTQ causes, events, and organizations for decades -- often as unsung heroes who didn't expect or receive recognition of any kind.

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 Ashley Altadonna of Tall Lady Productions to produce this third and final chapter.

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, invisible, and forgotten by 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.

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. 

We are especially grateful to photographer Mark Mariucci and designer Megan Timmler for donating their services to the project.