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: [email protected]. #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: [email protected]. #BeSeen
http://www.wislgbthistory.com
Wisconsin has over 660 State Historic Markers — and only ONE (the Black Nite Rising) honors LGBTQ history.
We’re committed to changing that in 2026 — and your tax-deductible holiday gift ensures that our heritage CAN and WILL #BeSeen.
Make a year-end donation today at bit.ly/givemke2
We’re committed to changing that in 2026 — and your tax-deductible holiday gift ensures that our heritage CAN and WILL #BeSeen.
Make a year-end donation today at bit.ly/givemke2
December 14, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Wisconsin has over 660 State Historic Markers — and only ONE (the Black Nite Rising) honors LGBTQ history.
We’re committed to changing that in 2026 — and your tax-deductible holiday gift ensures that our heritage CAN and WILL #BeSeen.
Make a year-end donation today at bit.ly/givemke2
We’re committed to changing that in 2026 — and your tax-deductible holiday gift ensures that our heritage CAN and WILL #BeSeen.
Make a year-end donation today at bit.ly/givemke2
Champagne Beige has been in high heels since the 1960s…. and Wisconsin’s oldest drag queen is STILL dishing it out.
Check out her inspiring story from this month’s Our Lives Magazine! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Check out her inspiring story from this month’s Our Lives Magazine! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Champagne: still high-kicking after 60 years in drag
Champagne Beige, Wisconsin's oldest drag performer, reflects on a sensational six-decade career that propelled her from La Crosse to Las Vegas.
ourliveswisconsin.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Champagne Beige has been in high heels since the 1960s…. and Wisconsin’s oldest drag queen is STILL dishing it out.
Check out her inspiring story from this month’s Our Lives Magazine! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Check out her inspiring story from this month’s Our Lives Magazine! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
We were delighted to learn that four of Diana’s priceless 1985 photos — taken at Club 219 during the Golden Age of Milwaukee drag — have become part of the permanent collection of the Milwaukee Art Museum! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
@milwaukeeart.bsky.social
@milwaukeeart.bsky.social
Diana Mixalakapoulou: gorgeous glimpses of the Golden Age of Drag
Forty years ago, she photographed the legendary Club 219 showgirls for a film school project. Now, the Diana Diary has become living history.
www.wislgbthistory.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
We were delighted to learn that four of Diana’s priceless 1985 photos — taken at Club 219 during the Golden Age of Milwaukee drag — have become part of the permanent collection of the Milwaukee Art Museum! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
@milwaukeeart.bsky.social
@milwaukeeart.bsky.social
After nearly a decade of shows, our very own Golden Girls have become a dinner theater sensation.
Learn how they created a hometown holiday tradition -- and are making local theater history -- in today's OnMilwaukee feature story!
@onmilwaukee.bsky.social
Learn how they created a hometown holiday tradition -- and are making local theater history -- in today's OnMilwaukee feature story!
@onmilwaukee.bsky.social
Thank You for Being a Friend: The Golden Girls Holiday Special Brings Miami Heat to Milwaukee Winter
It's December in Milwaukee. The wind chills are dropping, the snow is piling up, and it sure feels like ancient Wisconsin winters are making a comeback. But on the second floor of La Cage NiteClub, th...
onmilwaukee.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:36 PM
After nearly a decade of shows, our very own Golden Girls have become a dinner theater sensation.
Learn how they created a hometown holiday tradition -- and are making local theater history -- in today's OnMilwaukee feature story!
@onmilwaukee.bsky.social
Learn how they created a hometown holiday tradition -- and are making local theater history -- in today's OnMilwaukee feature story!
@onmilwaukee.bsky.social
Wisconsin saw its first reported case of AIDS in 1982.
A decade later, there was still no rapid screening, no effective treatment, and no hope.
And over 1,000 people in Wisconsin had already died. (1/2)
A decade later, there was still no rapid screening, no effective treatment, and no hope.
And over 1,000 people in Wisconsin had already died. (1/2)
December 9, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Wisconsin saw its first reported case of AIDS in 1982.
A decade later, there was still no rapid screening, no effective treatment, and no hope.
And over 1,000 people in Wisconsin had already died. (1/2)
A decade later, there was still no rapid screening, no effective treatment, and no hope.
And over 1,000 people in Wisconsin had already died. (1/2)
Have you read DINING OUT -- a tribute to the gay restaurants of America, including Hamburger Mary's and Green Bay's Napalese Lounge?
Check out this interview in today's Windy City Times! #BeSeen
@windycitytimes.com
Check out this interview in today's Windy City Times! #BeSeen
@windycitytimes.com
‘Dining Out’ traces a century of queer restaurants—starting in Chicago - Windy City Times
When Erik Piepenburg thinks of the late-night Chicago diners where he came of age, he remembers the chatter, the flirting and the food that always arrived hot. In the ‘90s, Piepenburg lived in Northal...
windycitytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Have you read DINING OUT -- a tribute to the gay restaurants of America, including Hamburger Mary's and Green Bay's Napalese Lounge?
Check out this interview in today's Windy City Times! #BeSeen
@windycitytimes.com
Check out this interview in today's Windy City Times! #BeSeen
@windycitytimes.com
We sure love Kate Krause and Paradigm Coffee and Music!
Watch for her biography — coming soon to the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Watch for her biography — coming soon to the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Sheboygan business owner shares her journey ahead of TMJ4’s Let’s Talk Sheboygan
Paradigm Coffee and Music is where TMJ4 is holding Let's Talk Sheboygan, a listening session where the community can visit and share their stories.
www.tmj4.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM
We sure love Kate Krause and Paradigm Coffee and Music!
Watch for her biography — coming soon to the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Watch for her biography — coming soon to the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Thank you Vivent Health for carrying on a 40-year legacy of home-grown HIV/AIDS care!
AIDS is not over. HIV is not over. But Vivent is working hard to ensure people with HIV/AIDS can live well and #BeSeen. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
AIDS is not over. HIV is not over. But Vivent is working hard to ensure people with HIV/AIDS can live well and #BeSeen. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Vivent Health marks World AIDS Day with commitment to comprehensive, compassionate care
Vivent Health continues its 40+ year mission of delivering judgement free HIV care, support, and dignity on World AIDS Day.
www.tmj4.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Thank you Vivent Health for carrying on a 40-year legacy of home-grown HIV/AIDS care!
AIDS is not over. HIV is not over. But Vivent is working hard to ensure people with HIV/AIDS can live well and #BeSeen. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
AIDS is not over. HIV is not over. But Vivent is working hard to ensure people with HIV/AIDS can live well and #BeSeen. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Welcome back, Hamburger Mary's MKE?
BizTimes and Urban Milwaukee are reporting (in paywalled articles) that the drag & dine destination seeks to reopen at 235 S. 2nd St, an address with a long queer history that includes Dish, Phoenix, Oregon House, and more.
BizTimes and Urban Milwaukee are reporting (in paywalled articles) that the drag & dine destination seeks to reopen at 235 S. 2nd St, an address with a long queer history that includes Dish, Phoenix, Oregon House, and more.
December 3, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Welcome back, Hamburger Mary's MKE?
BizTimes and Urban Milwaukee are reporting (in paywalled articles) that the drag & dine destination seeks to reopen at 235 S. 2nd St, an address with a long queer history that includes Dish, Phoenix, Oregon House, and more.
BizTimes and Urban Milwaukee are reporting (in paywalled articles) that the drag & dine destination seeks to reopen at 235 S. 2nd St, an address with a long queer history that includes Dish, Phoenix, Oregon House, and more.
BE SEEN at the 4th Annual Banji Ball on Tuesday, December 9 in Milwaukee!
The Banji Ball is an electrifying celebration of Black and Brown culture, arts, and fashion in recognition of World AIDS Day. You won't want to miss this one! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
INFO: tinyurl.com/banjiball2025
The Banji Ball is an electrifying celebration of Black and Brown culture, arts, and fashion in recognition of World AIDS Day. You won't want to miss this one! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
INFO: tinyurl.com/banjiball2025
December 1, 2025 at 7:20 PM
BE SEEN at the 4th Annual Banji Ball on Tuesday, December 9 in Milwaukee!
The Banji Ball is an electrifying celebration of Black and Brown culture, arts, and fashion in recognition of World AIDS Day. You won't want to miss this one! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
INFO: tinyurl.com/banjiball2025
The Banji Ball is an electrifying celebration of Black and Brown culture, arts, and fashion in recognition of World AIDS Day. You won't want to miss this one! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
INFO: tinyurl.com/banjiball2025
Today is the last day of Native American Heritage Month — but our commitment to celebrating and elevating the stories of Wisconsin Native LGBTQ and Two Spirit heritage is never ending. (1/3)
November 30, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Today is the last day of Native American Heritage Month — but our commitment to celebrating and elevating the stories of Wisconsin Native LGBTQ and Two Spirit heritage is never ending. (1/3)
“I realized that I could say and do things onstage that I could never do as Shawn -- so I kept pushing the limits to see what Shawna could get away with."
As a child, the only place Shawn Wandahsega found real acceptance was on the Potawatomi reservation. (1/2)
As a child, the only place Shawn Wandahsega found real acceptance was on the Potawatomi reservation. (1/2)
November 29, 2025 at 8:18 PM
“I realized that I could say and do things onstage that I could never do as Shawn -- so I kept pushing the limits to see what Shawna could get away with."
As a child, the only place Shawn Wandahsega found real acceptance was on the Potawatomi reservation. (1/2)
As a child, the only place Shawn Wandahsega found real acceptance was on the Potawatomi reservation. (1/2)
Growing up as a pale-skinned boy with indigenous roots in north central Wisconsin, Dan felt like he was always walking a tightrope between two worlds.
He was "too white," "too weird," "too gay." And his otherness was a problem for him -- everywhere.
(1/2)
He was "too white," "too weird," "too gay." And his otherness was a problem for him -- everywhere.
(1/2)
November 28, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Growing up as a pale-skinned boy with indigenous roots in north central Wisconsin, Dan felt like he was always walking a tightrope between two worlds.
He was "too white," "too weird," "too gay." And his otherness was a problem for him -- everywhere.
(1/2)
He was "too white," "too weird," "too gay." And his otherness was a problem for him -- everywhere.
(1/2)
Today, this month, and every day, we honor the Native, tribal, and indigenous histories of these lands, and the descendants who carry forward those teachings and legacies today, including our Two Spirit family. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
November 28, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Today, this month, and every day, we honor the Native, tribal, and indigenous histories of these lands, and the descendants who carry forward those teachings and legacies today, including our Two Spirit family. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
"When you fight the good fight, you’ll always win every battle – even if that battle is with yourself.”
Over the years, Patrick has survived enough crisis, loss, and sorrow to fill eight lives. He has redefined resilience in the face of tremendous personal challenge.
(1/2)
Over the years, Patrick has survived enough crisis, loss, and sorrow to fill eight lives. He has redefined resilience in the face of tremendous personal challenge.
(1/2)
November 26, 2025 at 5:35 PM
"When you fight the good fight, you’ll always win every battle – even if that battle is with yourself.”
Over the years, Patrick has survived enough crisis, loss, and sorrow to fill eight lives. He has redefined resilience in the face of tremendous personal challenge.
(1/2)
Over the years, Patrick has survived enough crisis, loss, and sorrow to fill eight lives. He has redefined resilience in the face of tremendous personal challenge.
(1/2)
Within ten years, AIDS ended thousands of Wisconsin lives far too soon.
Monday is World AIDS Day -- and this year, we are partnering with Vivent Health - Wisconsin to gather, share, and celebrate the unforgettable people we lost to HIV/AIDS. (1/2)
Monday is World AIDS Day -- and this year, we are partnering with Vivent Health - Wisconsin to gather, share, and celebrate the unforgettable people we lost to HIV/AIDS. (1/2)
November 25, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Within ten years, AIDS ended thousands of Wisconsin lives far too soon.
Monday is World AIDS Day -- and this year, we are partnering with Vivent Health - Wisconsin to gather, share, and celebrate the unforgettable people we lost to HIV/AIDS. (1/2)
Monday is World AIDS Day -- and this year, we are partnering with Vivent Health - Wisconsin to gather, share, and celebrate the unforgettable people we lost to HIV/AIDS. (1/2)
Growing up in north central Wisconsin, Debbie McCarty was always warned: “Whatever you do, don’t go to The Lark or The Pit.” That's where the gay people were, after all.
So, that's exactly what she did. (1/2)
So, that's exactly what she did. (1/2)
November 25, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Growing up in north central Wisconsin, Debbie McCarty was always warned: “Whatever you do, don’t go to The Lark or The Pit.” That's where the gay people were, after all.
So, that's exactly what she did. (1/2)
So, that's exactly what she did. (1/2)
As a child growing up in north central Wisconsin, Chasity dreamed of seeing the world. Since embracing her Two Spirit truth, she has soared higher and farther than she ever imagined possible. #BeSeen 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
STORY: tinyurl.com/chasity25
STORY: tinyurl.com/chasity25
November 25, 2025 at 12:22 AM
As a child growing up in north central Wisconsin, Chasity dreamed of seeing the world. Since embracing her Two Spirit truth, she has soared higher and farther than she ever imagined possible. #BeSeen 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
STORY: tinyurl.com/chasity25
STORY: tinyurl.com/chasity25
Congratulations Chicago!
#BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
#BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Chicagoans gather at Rainbow Crosswalk to affirm community visibility - Windy City Times
On Nov. 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), Equality Illinois held a press conference at the Rainbow Crosswalk on Farragut Ave. and Clark St. adjacent to Women and Children First bookstore in C...
windycitytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Congratulations Chicago!
#BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
#BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Only four years after Stonewall, an 18-year-old woman took over her family business in downtown Wausau. Little did she know she was creating Wisconsin LGBTQ history.
Over 50 years later, The Pit (1973-1982) is still remembered as a groundbreaking regional destination.
(1/2)
Over 50 years later, The Pit (1973-1982) is still remembered as a groundbreaking regional destination.
(1/2)
November 21, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Only four years after Stonewall, an 18-year-old woman took over her family business in downtown Wausau. Little did she know she was creating Wisconsin LGBTQ history.
Over 50 years later, The Pit (1973-1982) is still remembered as a groundbreaking regional destination.
(1/2)
Over 50 years later, The Pit (1973-1982) is still remembered as a groundbreaking regional destination.
(1/2)
They lit the torches of gay liberation.
They fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
They built the world we now live in.
So why are so many LGBTQ seniors forgotten and unseen as they age? #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
They fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
They built the world we now live in.
So why are so many LGBTQ seniors forgotten and unseen as they age? #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Older LGBTQ+ People Need Your Support and Advocacy - ASA Generations
As programming is slashed and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric ramps up, we must fight to preserve this population’s hard-earned rights.
generations.asaging.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:07 AM
They lit the torches of gay liberation.
They fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
They built the world we now live in.
So why are so many LGBTQ seniors forgotten and unseen as they age? #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
They fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
They built the world we now live in.
So why are so many LGBTQ seniors forgotten and unseen as they age? #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
We honor and uplift Two Spirit voices throughout Wisconsin.
Today, Michael shares his story of navigating Native oppression, reclaiming his cultural and sexual identities, and championing positive change for the tribal and Two Spirit communities. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/waupoose25
Today, Michael shares his story of navigating Native oppression, reclaiming his cultural and sexual identities, and championing positive change for the tribal and Two Spirit communities. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/waupoose25
Michael Waupoose: accepting sacred responsibilities in a divided world
Michael shares his story of navigating Native oppression, reclaiming his cultural and sexual identities, and championing positive change for the tribal and Two-Spirit communities.
tinyurl.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:38 PM
We honor and uplift Two Spirit voices throughout Wisconsin.
Today, Michael shares his story of navigating Native oppression, reclaiming his cultural and sexual identities, and championing positive change for the tribal and Two Spirit communities. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/waupoose25
Today, Michael shares his story of navigating Native oppression, reclaiming his cultural and sexual identities, and championing positive change for the tribal and Two Spirit communities. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/waupoose25
We had an amazing, incredible, award-winning night at the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber Business Awards! Check out the FULL PHOTO GALLERY from Our Lives Media.
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
ourliveswisconsin.com/galleries/ga...
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
ourliveswisconsin.com/galleries/ga...
November 17, 2025 at 8:44 PM
We had an amazing, incredible, award-winning night at the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber Business Awards! Check out the FULL PHOTO GALLERY from Our Lives Media.
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
ourliveswisconsin.com/galleries/ga...
#BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
ourliveswisconsin.com/galleries/ga...
We were thankful to be a finalist for the first-ever national grant supporting place-based LGBTQ history.
Although we weren't selected for funding, we are very excited to see who WAS -- and what they do with this historic support!
INFO: savingplaces.org/stories/lgbt...
@savingplaces.bsky.social
Although we weren't selected for funding, we are very excited to see who WAS -- and what they do with this historic support!
INFO: savingplaces.org/stories/lgbt...
@savingplaces.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 8:12 PM
We were thankful to be a finalist for the first-ever national grant supporting place-based LGBTQ history.
Although we weren't selected for funding, we are very excited to see who WAS -- and what they do with this historic support!
INFO: savingplaces.org/stories/lgbt...
@savingplaces.bsky.social
Although we weren't selected for funding, we are very excited to see who WAS -- and what they do with this historic support!
INFO: savingplaces.org/stories/lgbt...
@savingplaces.bsky.social