Milwaukee Flippers

The Milwaukee Flippers swim club was formed in 1991 to provide a safe, wholesome space for physical fitness, team-building, and social connection. Founders Leonard Sobczak and Dana Nix organized swim events for athletes of all skill levels, which allowed candidates the choice of recreational exercise or formal training for more competitive events.

Milwaukee Flippers activities, meet-ups, and open swim sessions were reported in local publications, including the Wisconsin Light.

Unfortunately, the Flippers were short-lived.

"I was swimming with the Smelts, a Chicago gay swimming team, and I tried to get something going in Milwaukee," said organizer Leonard Sobczak. "We only met three or four times. That was the end of it."