Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project
@wislgbtqhistory.bsky.social
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
http://www.wislgbthistory.com
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
http://www.wislgbthistory.com
BIG NEWS! Please join us in welcoming Dan Terrio to our Board of Directors. In his new role, Dan will oversee fundraising, donor engagement, and partnership development.
Thank you, Dan, for stepping up to BE SEEN!
MORE: bit.ly/terrio25%F0%...
Thank you, Dan, for stepping up to BE SEEN!
MORE: bit.ly/terrio25%F0%...
November 12, 2025 at 4:37 PM
BIG NEWS! Please join us in welcoming Dan Terrio to our Board of Directors. In his new role, Dan will oversee fundraising, donor engagement, and partnership development.
Thank you, Dan, for stepping up to BE SEEN!
MORE: bit.ly/terrio25%F0%...
Thank you, Dan, for stepping up to BE SEEN!
MORE: bit.ly/terrio25%F0%...
Save the dates for Lesbian Visibility Week 2026!
We were proud to meet with Lesbian Visibility Week MKE and The Curve Foundation tonight to start planning meaningful, memorable, and intentional experiences for April 20-26.
Together, we are truly unstoppable. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
We were proud to meet with Lesbian Visibility Week MKE and The Curve Foundation tonight to start planning meaningful, memorable, and intentional experiences for April 20-26.
Together, we are truly unstoppable. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
November 12, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Save the dates for Lesbian Visibility Week 2026!
We were proud to meet with Lesbian Visibility Week MKE and The Curve Foundation tonight to start planning meaningful, memorable, and intentional experiences for April 20-26.
Together, we are truly unstoppable. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
We were proud to meet with Lesbian Visibility Week MKE and The Curve Foundation tonight to start planning meaningful, memorable, and intentional experiences for April 20-26.
Together, we are truly unstoppable. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
All good road trips must come to an end!
SATURDAY: join us at Wisconsin Leather Pride, the LAST stop of the 2025 Summer to Be Seen Tour. We'll be doing pop-up interviews with leather community elders and newcomers -- and we'd love to learn from you!
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
SATURDAY: join us at Wisconsin Leather Pride, the LAST stop of the 2025 Summer to Be Seen Tour. We'll be doing pop-up interviews with leather community elders and newcomers -- and we'd love to learn from you!
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
November 10, 2025 at 11:28 PM
All good road trips must come to an end!
SATURDAY: join us at Wisconsin Leather Pride, the LAST stop of the 2025 Summer to Be Seen Tour. We'll be doing pop-up interviews with leather community elders and newcomers -- and we'd love to learn from you!
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
SATURDAY: join us at Wisconsin Leather Pride, the LAST stop of the 2025 Summer to Be Seen Tour. We'll be doing pop-up interviews with leather community elders and newcomers -- and we'd love to learn from you!
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
"It's never too late to live a damn good life."
his weekend, Wisconsin said goodbye to an original Silver Star. For over 50 years, "Papa Joe" Mallien (1935-2025) was an icon of Midwest motorcycle clubs, Wisconsin leather community, and Green Bay nightlife.
MORE: tinyurl.com/papajoe25
his weekend, Wisconsin said goodbye to an original Silver Star. For over 50 years, "Papa Joe" Mallien (1935-2025) was an icon of Midwest motorcycle clubs, Wisconsin leather community, and Green Bay nightlife.
MORE: tinyurl.com/papajoe25
November 9, 2025 at 11:30 PM
"It's never too late to live a damn good life."
his weekend, Wisconsin said goodbye to an original Silver Star. For over 50 years, "Papa Joe" Mallien (1935-2025) was an icon of Midwest motorcycle clubs, Wisconsin leather community, and Green Bay nightlife.
MORE: tinyurl.com/papajoe25
his weekend, Wisconsin said goodbye to an original Silver Star. For over 50 years, "Papa Joe" Mallien (1935-2025) was an icon of Midwest motorcycle clubs, Wisconsin leather community, and Green Bay nightlife.
MORE: tinyurl.com/papajoe25
We are proud to support and sponsor the 2025 TDOR Celebration Week of ACTION. This critical series of events strives to create a strategic response to anti-trans violence anchored in action, change, and justice.
BE THE CHANGE. #BeSeen🏳️⚧️
JOIN US: tinyurl.com/tdormke25
BE THE CHANGE. #BeSeen🏳️⚧️
JOIN US: tinyurl.com/tdormke25
November 9, 2025 at 8:14 PM
We are proud to support and sponsor the 2025 TDOR Celebration Week of ACTION. This critical series of events strives to create a strategic response to anti-trans violence anchored in action, change, and justice.
BE THE CHANGE. #BeSeen🏳️⚧️
JOIN US: tinyurl.com/tdormke25
BE THE CHANGE. #BeSeen🏳️⚧️
JOIN US: tinyurl.com/tdormke25
We are especially proud to be named the 2025 Nonprofit Organization of the Year by the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce!
Join us Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Milwaukee Public Museum -- where we'll raise a toast to our all-volunteer team! #BeSeen
INFO: www.wislgbthistory.com/news/nonprof...
Join us Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Milwaukee Public Museum -- where we'll raise a toast to our all-volunteer team! #BeSeen
INFO: www.wislgbthistory.com/news/nonprof...
November 7, 2025 at 12:04 AM
We are especially proud to be named the 2025 Nonprofit Organization of the Year by the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce!
Join us Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Milwaukee Public Museum -- where we'll raise a toast to our all-volunteer team! #BeSeen
INFO: www.wislgbthistory.com/news/nonprof...
Join us Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Milwaukee Public Museum -- where we'll raise a toast to our all-volunteer team! #BeSeen
INFO: www.wislgbthistory.com/news/nonprof...
If you lived through the AIDS Crisis, you know that it was an unforgettable moment in time.
On World AIDS Day, we are partnering with Vivent Health to elevate and celebrate the stories of Wisconsin lives lost to HIV/AIDS since 1982. Share yours today!
INFO: www.wislgbthistory.com/news/honorin...
On World AIDS Day, we are partnering with Vivent Health to elevate and celebrate the stories of Wisconsin lives lost to HIV/AIDS since 1982. Share yours today!
INFO: www.wislgbthistory.com/news/honorin...
November 6, 2025 at 11:39 PM
If you lived through the AIDS Crisis, you know that it was an unforgettable moment in time.
On World AIDS Day, we are partnering with Vivent Health to elevate and celebrate the stories of Wisconsin lives lost to HIV/AIDS since 1982. Share yours today!
INFO: www.wislgbthistory.com/news/honorin...
On World AIDS Day, we are partnering with Vivent Health to elevate and celebrate the stories of Wisconsin lives lost to HIV/AIDS since 1982. Share yours today!
INFO: www.wislgbthistory.com/news/honorin...
We believe in gratitude. As an all-volunteer, non-profit, community-first organization, we can never say thank you enough.
We'd like to say a VERY special THANK YOU to Milwaukee Pride Parade for their generous donation -- the single largest donation we've ever received. Wow! (1/2)
We'd like to say a VERY special THANK YOU to Milwaukee Pride Parade for their generous donation -- the single largest donation we've ever received. Wow! (1/2)
Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project
Independent. Inspired. Relentless.
For over 30 years, we've been reconnecting Wisconsin with hidden history and lost heritage. Our volunteers document, preserve, celebrate and elevate the lived expe...
www.wislgbthistory.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:42 PM
We believe in gratitude. As an all-volunteer, non-profit, community-first organization, we can never say thank you enough.
We'd like to say a VERY special THANK YOU to Milwaukee Pride Parade for their generous donation -- the single largest donation we've ever received. Wow! (1/2)
We'd like to say a VERY special THANK YOU to Milwaukee Pride Parade for their generous donation -- the single largest donation we've ever received. Wow! (1/2)
As Rochester loses its “Gay Cheers,” America loses a 50-year-old LGBTQ landmark. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Rochester's 'Gay Cheers' bids adieu after 50 years of community and camaraderie
The Avenue Pub, a beloved gay bar on Monroe Avenue, is closing its doors Monday after 50 years, leaving patrons to reminisce about its storied past.
13wham.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:50 AM
As Rochester loses its “Gay Cheers,” America loses a 50-year-old LGBTQ landmark. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Congratulations Menjo’s — now one of the longest-running gay bars in the nation — for over 50 years of making Michigan fabulous! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
From Madonna to the AIDS Crisis: 50-Plus Years of Menjo’s in Detroit LGBTQ+ History
As Menjo’s — one of Detroit’s longest-running gay bars — celebrates over half a century in operation, it stands as a rare survivor
pridesource.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Congratulations Menjo’s — now one of the longest-running gay bars in the nation — for over 50 years of making Michigan fabulous! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Innovative theater experiences are teaching LGBTQ history in the most immersive way possible: letting people actually LIVE through a very carefully constructed recreation.
And right now, we ESPECIALLY need the energy of an ACT UP event. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
And right now, we ESPECIALLY need the energy of an ACT UP event. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
‘Fight Back’ turns theatergoers into 1980s ACT UP activists
For a truly immersive theatrical adventure, however, I firmly recommend “Fight Back,” which transports attendees back to New York City in the late 1980s. This
gaycitynews.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Innovative theater experiences are teaching LGBTQ history in the most immersive way possible: letting people actually LIVE through a very carefully constructed recreation.
And right now, we ESPECIALLY need the energy of an ACT UP event. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
And right now, we ESPECIALLY need the energy of an ACT UP event. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
We love Carvd’n Stone and we’re thrilled to see them getting ALL the flowers! 💐💐💐#BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Milwaukee entrepreneur builds positive news platform around local stories
Since its launch, Carvd n Stone has covered big names on and off the red carpet and highlighted Milwaukee stories with a positive angle. The news source has gained recognition beyond the Brew City.
www.tmj4.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:53 AM
We love Carvd’n Stone and we’re thrilled to see them getting ALL the flowers! 💐💐💐#BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
We are SO proud of our long, proud history of Wisconsin drag — and we proud to be nominated In the Wisconsin Drag Awards!
Give us some LOVE in the final round of VOTES — now through Nov. 16 — and GIVE IT UP for your favorite Wisconsin drag performers!
VOTE TODAY: tinyurl.com/widrag25
Give us some LOVE in the final round of VOTES — now through Nov. 16 — and GIVE IT UP for your favorite Wisconsin drag performers!
VOTE TODAY: tinyurl.com/widrag25
November 5, 2025 at 5:10 PM
We are SO proud of our long, proud history of Wisconsin drag — and we proud to be nominated In the Wisconsin Drag Awards!
Give us some LOVE in the final round of VOTES — now through Nov. 16 — and GIVE IT UP for your favorite Wisconsin drag performers!
VOTE TODAY: tinyurl.com/widrag25
Give us some LOVE in the final round of VOTES — now through Nov. 16 — and GIVE IT UP for your favorite Wisconsin drag performers!
VOTE TODAY: tinyurl.com/widrag25
What are we thankful for this November?
Nico Lang's Wisconsin Book Tour!
Join us now for a statewide series of live Q&As with this award-winning journalist and author. #BeSeen🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
Nico Lang's Wisconsin Book Tour!
Join us now for a statewide series of live Q&As with this award-winning journalist and author. #BeSeen🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
Celebrating the unbreakable spirit of the American Teenager
Award-winning journalist Nico Lang brings their "American Teenager" book tour to Wisconsin for six November stops, sharing powerful, on-the-ground stories of trans youth resilience, joy, and survival.
tinyurl.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:47 PM
What are we thankful for this November?
Nico Lang's Wisconsin Book Tour!
Join us now for a statewide series of live Q&As with this award-winning journalist and author. #BeSeen🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
Nico Lang's Wisconsin Book Tour!
Join us now for a statewide series of live Q&As with this award-winning journalist and author. #BeSeen🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
What happens when an entire gayborhood disappears?
Ask Nashville. We think she’ll know. 🥲
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Ask Nashville. We think she’ll know. 🥲
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
The Shadows of Once-Thriving Church Street
Looking back on the beloved safe spaces of this iconic Nashville ‘gayborhood’ in light of its recent demolition
www.nashvillescene.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:01 AM
What happens when an entire gayborhood disappears?
Ask Nashville. We think she’ll know. 🥲
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Ask Nashville. We think she’ll know. 🥲
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Thank you @lambdalegal.org for fighting the good fight — over and over and over again. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Fighting back: Lambda Legal unveils campaign to protect LGBTQ+ rights from Trump-era attacks
“This is a break-the-glass moment,” Kevin Jennings, Lambda Legal’s CEO, told The Advocate in an interview.
www.advocate.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Thank you @lambdalegal.org for fighting the good fight — over and over and over again. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Being seen is an act of resistance.
Being seen for over 40 years?
Now that's a LEGACY.
Meet Miss B.J. Daniels, our illustrious Board member, in this month's Our Lives Magazine. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Being seen for over 40 years?
Now that's a LEGACY.
Meet Miss B.J. Daniels, our illustrious Board member, in this month's Our Lives Magazine. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
2025 Queer Arts Directory: BJ Daniels
Drag Performer | facebook.com/dragentertainerBJDaniels From as early as I can remember, I always wanted to be in show business. I was that little kid who loved playacting, putting on productions, [......
ourliveswisconsin.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Being seen is an act of resistance.
Being seen for over 40 years?
Now that's a LEGACY.
Meet Miss B.J. Daniels, our illustrious Board member, in this month's Our Lives Magazine. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Being seen for over 40 years?
Now that's a LEGACY.
Meet Miss B.J. Daniels, our illustrious Board member, in this month's Our Lives Magazine. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
World AIDS Day is Monday, December 1.
This year, we are partnering with Vivent Health to collect, share, and amplify the names, stories and photos of Wisconsin loved ones we lost to AIDS.
And we really hope you’ll share yours. (1/2)
This year, we are partnering with Vivent Health to collect, share, and amplify the names, stories and photos of Wisconsin loved ones we lost to AIDS.
And we really hope you’ll share yours. (1/2)
November 2, 2025 at 5:02 AM
World AIDS Day is Monday, December 1.
This year, we are partnering with Vivent Health to collect, share, and amplify the names, stories and photos of Wisconsin loved ones we lost to AIDS.
And we really hope you’ll share yours. (1/2)
This year, we are partnering with Vivent Health to collect, share, and amplify the names, stories and photos of Wisconsin loved ones we lost to AIDS.
And we really hope you’ll share yours. (1/2)
He knew he was gay. He thought he didn't want to be. Now, it's impossible to imagine northeastern Wisconsin without him.
Today, we honor Paul "Cricket" Jacob, an unstoppable force for change in northeastern Wisconsin since the days of the Lambda Lounge. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/beaconcricket
Today, we honor Paul "Cricket" Jacob, an unstoppable force for change in northeastern Wisconsin since the days of the Lambda Lounge. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/beaconcricket
November 1, 2025 at 1:21 AM
He knew he was gay. He thought he didn't want to be. Now, it's impossible to imagine northeastern Wisconsin without him.
Today, we honor Paul "Cricket" Jacob, an unstoppable force for change in northeastern Wisconsin since the days of the Lambda Lounge. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/beaconcricket
Today, we honor Paul "Cricket" Jacob, an unstoppable force for change in northeastern Wisconsin since the days of the Lambda Lounge. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/beaconcricket
Throughout October, we are celebrating our Beacons of the Bay: eight living elders who made Green Bay a better place to live, work, play, and love.
Today, we honor Mike Fitzpatrick, whose relentless activism has connected us across five decades. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/beaconmike
Today, we honor Mike Fitzpatrick, whose relentless activism has connected us across five decades. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/beaconmike
Mike Fitzpatrick: five decades of shaping Wisconsin's future
Meet our Beacons of the Bay! Meet Mike Fitzpatrick, whose relentless activism has connected us on the dancefloor, in the media, and in the streets.
tinyurl.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Throughout October, we are celebrating our Beacons of the Bay: eight living elders who made Green Bay a better place to live, work, play, and love.
Today, we honor Mike Fitzpatrick, whose relentless activism has connected us across five decades. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/beaconmike
Today, we honor Mike Fitzpatrick, whose relentless activism has connected us across five decades. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/beaconmike
TOMORROW!
GREEN BAY!
Lion's Mouth Bookstore!
And the magnificent Martha Marvel!
Join us in welcoming FABULOUS author Nico Lang to Wisconsin for the kickoff of a week-long book tour. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
GREEN BAY!
Lion's Mouth Bookstore!
And the magnificent Martha Marvel!
Join us in welcoming FABULOUS author Nico Lang to Wisconsin for the kickoff of a week-long book tour. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
October 31, 2025 at 6:24 PM
TOMORROW!
GREEN BAY!
Lion's Mouth Bookstore!
And the magnificent Martha Marvel!
Join us in welcoming FABULOUS author Nico Lang to Wisconsin for the kickoff of a week-long book tour. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
GREEN BAY!
Lion's Mouth Bookstore!
And the magnificent Martha Marvel!
Join us in welcoming FABULOUS author Nico Lang to Wisconsin for the kickoff of a week-long book tour. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
We’ve been here before.
We’ll be here again.
And guess what, Ohio “lawmakers?”
Drag. Always. Wins.
#BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
We’ll be here again.
And guess what, Ohio “lawmakers?”
Drag. Always. Wins.
#BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Ohio Republican lawmakers re-introduce drag ban bill • Ohio Capital Journal
A pair of Ohio lawmakers are once again trying to ban drag performers from performing anywhere that isn’t a designated adult entertainment facility.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:02 PM
We’ve been here before.
We’ll be here again.
And guess what, Ohio “lawmakers?”
Drag. Always. Wins.
#BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
We’ll be here again.
And guess what, Ohio “lawmakers?”
Drag. Always. Wins.
#BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Thirty-five years ago TODAY, Billy Newton’s remains were discovered in a Hollywood alley.
For three decades, Billy was a cautionary tale to scare newcomers to LA. Until 2020, when a team of unlikely investigators came together to crack the cold case — and honor Billy’s unquiet memory. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
For three decades, Billy was a cautionary tale to scare newcomers to LA. Until 2020, when a team of unlikely investigators came together to crack the cold case — and honor Billy’s unquiet memory. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Forgotten No More: The Life and Death of Billy Newton
In October of 1990, the remains of Billy Newton were found in a Hollywood alleyway. The case went unsolved for more than 30 years, but now the case has been [...]
ourliveswisconsin.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Thirty-five years ago TODAY, Billy Newton’s remains were discovered in a Hollywood alley.
For three decades, Billy was a cautionary tale to scare newcomers to LA. Until 2020, when a team of unlikely investigators came together to crack the cold case — and honor Billy’s unquiet memory. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
For three decades, Billy was a cautionary tale to scare newcomers to LA. Until 2020, when a team of unlikely investigators came together to crack the cold case — and honor Billy’s unquiet memory. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️