Lesbian Alliance of Metro Milwaukee (LAMM)

The Lesbian Alliance of Metro Milwaukee (LAMM) was founded in 1989 after the Milwaukee County Board rescinded a resolution recognizing Lesbian and Gay Pride Week. 

Milwaukee lesbians, closely followed the controversy, felt that lesbian perspectives were underrepresented in the civic narrative as well as ongoing community media coverage. In response, a group of women organized a new lesbian-focused organization. Founding members included Mary Shafer, Julie Kleppin, Kitty Barber, Karen Gotzler, and Susan Cook.

From its founding, LAMM worked to strengthen the lesbian community and advocate for the rights and empowerment of lesbians and women who love women throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The volunteer-run organization provided membership services, social activities, educational programs, networking opportunities, and public-policy advocacy. Its activities included dances, picnics, potluck dinners, speakers, educational panels and workshops, conferences, forums, and lesbian health projects. LAMM also served as an information clearinghouse and worked to build connections among lesbian and gay organizations.

LAMM became involved in broader community advocacy as well. The Lambda Rights Network recognized the organization with awards in 1990 and 1991. In 1991, following the police response to the murders committed by Jeffrey Dahmer, LAMM took a leadership role in forming the Milwaukee Lavender Network, a coalition of lesbian and gay organizations. Members of the network worked with the media, Milwaukee Police Department, and elected officials to provide information about the LGBTQ community and encourage greater understanding and sensitivity.

In 1992, LAMM’s board of directors established the LAMM Education Fund (LAMM EF) as a separate 501(c)3 organization. The Education Fund focused primarily on community education, advocacy, fundraising, and public relations, complementing LAMM’s community and membership activities.

For decades, LAMM remained a volunteer-run organization providing social, educational, and community programs for lesbians and women who love women in southeastern Wisconsin. 

Over time, the organization struggled to maintain an active and engaged membership. LAMM went on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and did not resume its activities. Many activities once associated with LAMM are now hosted by the Milwaukee chapter of Lesbian Visibility Week.

The UWM Archives holds the Lesbian Alliance of Metro Milwaukee Collection, which includes organizational records dating from 1989 through 2013 and documents LAMM’s programs, advocacy, and activities.