Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project
@wislgbtqhistory
Independent. Inspired. Relentless. Since 1994, we've been reconnecting Wisconsin with its past to inspire a more inclusive future. We're all-volunteer, non-profit, and community-first. E: wislgbtqhistory@gmail.com. #BeSeen
Help us amplify voice and visibility, increase awareness and understanding, and combat bisexual erasure -- by sharing YOUR stories! Interested? Contact us by DM or email bipridemilwaukee@gmail.com. #BeSeen 🩷💜💙
September is Bisexual Awareness Month at the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. For the third year in a row, we're partnering with Bi+ Pride Milwaukee to elevate and celebrate bisexual community with a monthlong feature story series. (1/2)
Today, on International Drag Day, we recognize that drag has been part of Wisconsin history for over 140 years -- as seen in our book, Milwaukee Drag: Seven Generations of Glamour. Today, we salute the queens, kings, and artists of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, who taught us all how to #BeSeen.💋
Escape the heat and smoke today: visit your Milwaukee Public Library! Our Beacons of Brew City exhibit is on display this month at the Central Llibrary (2nd floor, near Media Room.) If you missed the premiere, we've got GREAT news. Join us August 3 for a FREE Encore Screening and Q&A. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Meet our 2026 BeSeen Award honorees! Despite a lifetime of heroic achievements, Rachel Maes never expected to be anyone's hero. As a "serial overachiever" since youth, she is one of the hardest-working public figures in northeastern Wisconsin today. #BeSeen 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 STORY: tinyurl.com/beseen26rachel
ICYMI: this weekend, we celebrate not only the 50th anniversary of M&M Club: but also the 50th anniversary of an inspiring local couple. Congratulations Harry & Michael! A toast to you. STORY: ourliveswisconsin.com/article/the-...
Thank you Shepherd Express for celebrating with us! See y'all Sunday at M&M Club: the 50th Anniversary Reunion, honoring Mr. Robert Schmidt. STORY: shepherdexpress.com/lgbtq/my-lgb...
A world without trans people has never existed -- and it never, ever will. Exclusion will not win. And we are committed to a world where everyone can safely #BeSeen. 🏳️⚧️
"Your site is down!" Oh, honey, we KNOW. Today, we're migrating the History Project archives -- built by unpaid volunteers across three decades -- to a new server. Expect intermittent downtime today as we move into our new home. We'll post an update when migration is complete! #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Fifty-eight years later, the fight continues. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Today, we honor Ilet "Tina" Terry (1946-1993,) who operated Tina's RTI at four North Side locations between 1982 and 1993. Tina was a divorced black woman with limitless compassion. She cared deeply for her business, for her elderly mother and diabetic sister, and for her entire community.
"The most painful moments were not the public attacks, but the silence of the people I thought would stand beside me." Meet our Beacons of Brew City: Reverend Janis K. Doleschal! (1/3)
“None of us are strong enough to stand out here alone. Not now, not then, not ever. Without sisterhood, we are nothing." Meet our Beacons of Brew City: Dynasty Scott! (1/3)
"Everybody is here for a purpose, and I now know this was my purpose." Meet our Beacons of Brew City: Eloise McPike! Growing up, Eloise saw a real need to create safe spaces for Black LGBTQ people to come together, celebrate, and rise above the intolerance felt at white-owned gay bars. (1/3)
They told her to stay in her lane. She didn't listen. And that made all the difference! Meet our Beacons of Brew City: Shannon Dupree. Shannon wandered into Walker's Point nightlife when she was still in high school. (1/3)
"If you think you've seen the worst of times, you haven't seen nothing yet." Meet our Beacons of Brew City: Casper Garcia! (1/3)
Thank you to @wisn12news.bsky.social for elevating and celebrating the stories of our community during Pride Month. Today, we honor THE Holly Brown (1946-1991.) VIDEO: youtu.be/mNPOl6MYB_s?...
On October 1, 1971, two young people in love went into the Milwaukee County Courthouse to apply for a marriage license. Unlike the countless couples who came before them, these applicants were denied — because they were both women. (1/2)
Misty Dawn (1945-?) was the breakout star of the Ad Lib Nightclub (323 W. Wells St.) Misty was the one and only real girl in the Ad Lib line-up. When she was arrested in 1970 for “violations,” Misty fought back hard — and filed the first transgender rights lawsuit in Milwaukee history. (1/2)
We were thrilled to welcome Alysse Dalessandro to Milwaukee today! Alysse, her team, and the Visit Milwaukee crew joined us for “Gayborhoods that are Gone” — and it was an absolutely beautiful afternoon for a walking tour! Enjoy your visit, Alysse! #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ @visitmilwaukee.bsky.social
SAVE THE DATE: On Tuesday, June 16, we're celebrating eight local LGBTQ elders who've made our city a better place to live, work, play, and love across six decades. Join us at the beautiful Oriental Theatre as we celebrate our 2026 BEACONS OF BREW CITY! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ INFO: tinyurl.com/beaconsdoc26
Today, on National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day, we ask YOU to share praise for a Wisconsin LGBTQ elder who has changed your world. Who would you like to honor today? #BeSeen (1/2)
While we’re STILL mourning our long lost Milwaukee Eagle (1997-2000,) we’re just a week away from the return of the Chicago Eagle! (1/2)
For every mystery, someone, someone knows the answer. Maybe that person is you. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
TOMORROW: our rainbow crosswalks will be repainted, brighter and bolder than ever before, to celebrate May Day! This project is funded entirely by YOUR donations to our LGBTQ Landmarks program. Consider a tax-deductible donation today: tinyurl.com/constellation26 #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Sixteen events. Thirteen communities. And a summer that you'll never forget! Join us for our Summer to be Seen, an outreach tour of hometown prides in every corner of Wisconsin. INFO: tinyurl.com/summerseen26 #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️