Brady East STD (BESTD)

The BESTD story represents a long history of volunteers providing healthcare services to Milwaukeeans in need.

The early 1970s were a perfect storm: more people had access to more sexual activity than ever before, but without essential access to caring and capable healthcare. Men who had sex with men didn't usually discuss that with their doctors, even in the private and confidential setting of an exam room. They feared not only judgement, but being "outed" for their sexual habits. Before 1973, being gay was considered not only illegal, but clinically sick, so men feared being reported to police or routed to psychiatrists. STD outbreaks were very difficult to manage, as some men would ignore even the most painful symptoms and take serious health risks just to avoid the conversation. 

"It was just how things worked back then," said a Project contributor. "You lied to everyone in your life, even your doctor, because you had to maintain your cover. It was more preferable to tell your doctor you'd been with a prostitute than with another man. That was a perfectly acceptable excuse for gonorrhea. How messed up is that? You simply COULD NOT be honest about your sex life. With anyone."

Recognizing the risks and costs of this culture of healthcare dishonesty and disparity, Gay People's Union decided to create the change. After a devastating syphilis outbreak, Gay People's Union (GPU) leadership recognized a severe lack of accessible, qualified, and culturally competent healthcare for gay men. In partnership with the City of Milwaukee Health Department, they opened a VD Examination Center at the Club Health Spa (225 E. St. Paul Avenue) in October 1974.  Going where the gay men were -- and offering support, not criticism -- was so groundbreaking that local papers questioned if it was even legal.

Originally, the clinic did not have certified medical professionals onsite, so they could only provide testing -- not medical consultation or care. The GPU Clinic was sometimes seen as "lesser than" by the medical community because it "only" screened for conditions. 

Still, it served an extremely important need: it was a space where gay men could not only be honest about their health, but take command of their own well-being. They could be sexually liberated without the risks. They could be liberated from shame and criticism from medical staff. This was revolutionary thinking. And it changed lives forever.

Later, the clinic increased its capabilities to include community health services. After the Club Health Spa closed, the GPU VD Clinic traveled to the city's other bathhouses and bars. The clinic also operated out of the GPU Farwell Center (1568 N. Farwell Ave.,) the city's first LGBTQ community center. After the Farwell Center closed, the clinic moved to 2578 N. Booth Street in 1981 and to 1240 E. Brady Street in 1982.

Recognizing their new independence from Gay People's Union, the clinic changed its name to Brady East STD (BESTD) Clinic.

Only a few years after BESTD Clinic opened, the AIDS crisis erupted as the nation's greatest public health crisis. In response, BESTD leadership formed the Milwaukee AIDS Project (MAP) in August 1985. As infection rates continues to skyrocket with no federal response, it became obvious that the new disease needed broad community support. Unfortunately, the sad truth was that no LGBTQ organization would receive the recognition required to earn government funding, attract qualified healthcare providers, or launch public health programming.

For a spirited team of local activists, that was simply not good enough. A special task force was activated, including the BESTD Clinic President Nova Clite; MAP Director Sue Dietz; Marc Haupert, the president of the Cream City Business Association; and Don Schwamb, the president of the Cream City Foundation (CCF) and GAMMA. The result was the formation of an entirely new organization: the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW.)

Marc Haupert became ARCW's founding president, Don Schwamb its founding vice president, and Sue Dietz its first/ paid executive director.

Even after AIDS care transitioned to ARCW, BESTD Clinic became one of the earliest pioneers in HIV antibody testing and advanced its mission of serving underserved populations. Clinic volunteers activated outreach clinics for off-site testing. One of the earliest outreach clinics, in partnership with the Milwaukee Health Department, offered support for those at risk for HIV and tuberculosis.

In 1989, Dr. Roger Gremminger donated the building to BESTD Clinic for permanent use as a community clinic. Within two years, the mortage was paid off in full. The building has seen extensive rehabilitation and renovations -- in 2004, 2014, and 2024 -- to commemorate landmark anniversary events. 

Today, BESTD continues to be one of the most active and accessible HIV testing sites in Wisconsin. The volunteer-driven organization continues a proud 50+ year legacy of supporting the overall health and wellbeing of the community with low-to-no cost to its clients.