Center Advocates, Inc.

Center Advocates, Inc. was established in 2001 as the 501(c)4 partner of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.  Following earlier local organizations, including the Human Rights League and the LGBT Alliance for Equality, Center Advocates was dedicated to the advancement of LGBTQ equality through legislative lobbying, fundraising, voter education, and community activation. 

Since federal law prohibited the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization) from endorsing, financially supporting, or opposing political candidates or parties, Center Advocates was formed as the most activist and outspoken organization. Founded by Patrick Flaherty, Center Advocates also managed a Political Action Committee (PAC) that organized some of the largest fundraisers for LGBTQ-supportive candidates ever seen in Wisconsin.

Center Advocates changed its name to Equality Wisconsin in 2009.  In 2013, Equality merged with Fair Wisconsin to build a stronger statewide presence.

Today, Fair Wisconsin continues the fight for a fair, safe, and inclusive Wisconsin for all LGBTQ citizens.