GPU VD Examination Clinic

Gay liberation wasn't just about sexual liberation. It was also about sexual health.

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. You simply COULD NOT be honest about your sex life. With anyone."

Milwaukee experienced a massive syphilis outbreak in summer 1974, with 65 of the 75 cases seen in gay men.  Community leaders knew something had to change. Recognizing the risks of healthcare dishonesty and disparity, Gay Peoples Union decided to create the change. They partnered with the City of Milwaukee Health Department to open a VD Examination Center at 225 E. St. Paul Avenue (within the Club Health Spa.) on October 11, 1974.  The original grant ($2,500) funded the clinic for nine months. 

Services were initially provided from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The clinic was staffed by GPU volunteers trained to draw blood, conduct examinations, and submit test samples. All specimens were sent to a City Health Department lab for testing, and all treatment was referred to the City of Milwaukee VD Clinic.  All services were offered at no cost to the clients. Blood tests were also taken at the GPU Monday night meetings.

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 moved to the GPU Farwell Center (1568 N. Farwell Ave.) and increased its care capabilities. 

Although the Farwell Center closed in 1981, the legacy of Gay Peoples Union endured. The clinic moved to 2578 N. Booth Street, and in 1982, moved to 1240 E. Brady Street.  Now known as the BESTD Clinic, the facility carries forward over 50 years of culturally competent healthcare services today.