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
“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)
Who do you remember? Share your story (and photo) today at [email protected].
Because no one is truly ever gone -- as long as their story is still being told. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (2/2)
Because no one is truly ever gone -- as long as their story is still being told. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (2/2)
November 25, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Who do you remember? Share your story (and photo) today at [email protected].
Because no one is truly ever gone -- as long as their story is still being told. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (2/2)
Because no one is truly ever gone -- as long as their story is still being told. #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (2/2)
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)
Little did she know that she'd wind up running The Lark only a few years later.
Defying the homophobia and hostility of the Reagan Era, Debbie created a legacy that people are still talking about today.
Here's her story: tinyurl.com/thelark25 (2/2)
Defying the homophobia and hostility of the Reagan Era, Debbie created a legacy that people are still talking about today.
Here's her story: tinyurl.com/thelark25 (2/2)
November 25, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Little did she know that she'd wind up running The Lark only a few years later.
Defying the homophobia and hostility of the Reagan Era, Debbie created a legacy that people are still talking about today.
Here's her story: tinyurl.com/thelark25 (2/2)
Defying the homophobia and hostility of the Reagan Era, Debbie created a legacy that people are still talking about today.
Here's her story: tinyurl.com/thelark25 (2/2)
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
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)
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
Overheard in Milwaukee: "we didn't know you had a podcast!"
Oh baby. We sure do! And it's mighty good... in fact, it won a Milwaukee Press Club Award!
Take a listen today at @npr.org :
www.npr.org/podcasts/110...
Oh baby. We sure do! And it's mighty good... in fact, it won a Milwaukee Press Club Award!
Take a listen today at @npr.org :
www.npr.org/podcasts/110...
November 17, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Overheard in Milwaukee: "we didn't know you had a podcast!"
Oh baby. We sure do! And it's mighty good... in fact, it won a Milwaukee Press Club Award!
Take a listen today at @npr.org :
www.npr.org/podcasts/110...
Oh baby. We sure do! And it's mighty good... in fact, it won a Milwaukee Press Club Award!
Take a listen today at @npr.org :
www.npr.org/podcasts/110...
As a respected Two Spirit elder, mentor, and survivor, Jim is living proof of the connective power of heritage and culture.
After overcoming a childhood scarred and scorched by tremendous loss, Jim found his calling as the keeper of his people's history. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/larock25
After overcoming a childhood scarred and scorched by tremendous loss, Jim found his calling as the keeper of his people's history. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/larock25
November 16, 2025 at 7:44 PM
As a respected Two Spirit elder, mentor, and survivor, Jim is living proof of the connective power of heritage and culture.
After overcoming a childhood scarred and scorched by tremendous loss, Jim found his calling as the keeper of his people's history. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/larock25
After overcoming a childhood scarred and scorched by tremendous loss, Jim found his calling as the keeper of his people's history. #BeSeen🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
STORY: tinyurl.com/larock25
We are SO proud to be named 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
THANK YOU for your thoughtful consideration -- and thank you to our community for your relentless support! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
PRESS RELEASE: conta.cc/4paEpE4
THANK YOU for your thoughtful consideration -- and thank you to our community for your relentless support! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
PRESS RELEASE: conta.cc/4paEpE4
November 14, 2025 at 6:32 PM
We are SO proud to be named 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
THANK YOU for your thoughtful consideration -- and thank you to our community for your relentless support! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
PRESS RELEASE: conta.cc/4paEpE4
THANK YOU for your thoughtful consideration -- and thank you to our community for your relentless support! #BeSeen 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
PRESS RELEASE: conta.cc/4paEpE4
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...
Learn more about Wisconsin drag history — spanning seven generations and nearly 150 years — in our book, co-written by the legendary Miss B.J. Daniels. 💋
November 5, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Learn more about Wisconsin drag history — spanning seven generations and nearly 150 years — in our book, co-written by the legendary Miss B.J. Daniels. 💋
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