Defending Wisconsin’s proud LGBTQ heritage

Milwaukee, WI. –  In response to escalating anti-LGBTQ legislation, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project has launched a Year-End Fund Drive that supports the launch of a statewide Community Advisors network, amplified access and engagement for online resources, and the ongoing reclamation of Wisconsin’s historic LGBTQ landmarks.

In Wisconsin, we say gay. Donate now to defend local LGBTQ history!

Surviving a state of emergency

In 1982, Wisconsin became the first state in the nation to outlaw discrimination based on sexual identity. Over forty years later, LGBTQ culture and community are under blatant attack in Wisconsin — and LGBTQ history is at ever-increasing risk of being censored, silenced, or erased.

Following Florida’s exclusionary “Don’t Say Gay” law, over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced across the nation, leading the Human Rights Campaign to declare — for the first time ever — a “national LGBTQ state of emergency” in June 2023. In early November, a Tennessee city actually passed an ordinance banning public homosexuality. This week, Florida legislators proposed a bill that would effectively ban LGBTQ non-profits from operating anywhere in the state.

This cancerous rhetoric is escalating — and it has already infected Wisconsin. Since 2021, Wisconsin schools have fielded over 200 requests to remove books from schools and libraries — and communities including Kenosha, Waukesha and Menomonee Falls have seen hundreds of books banned. And, just this month, Wisconsin legislators introduced Assembly Bill 510, a “Don’t Say Gay” bill disguised as parental rights protection, which could eliminate LGBTQ content from schools, universities, libraries, and public education.

Where does it end? Wisconsin was long known as the “Gay Rights State.” Today, this proud progressive reputation is at tremendous risk of being rewritten entirely.

The History Project stands stronger than ever against hate — and we’re making changes to defend our mission and increase our impact in 2024 and beyond.

Announcing our Community Advisors

To build a stronger, more proactive, and more sustainable operation for our future, we are introducing a statewide network of Community Advisors.

Through quarterly town hall meetings, sixteen advisors will provide ongoing feedback, community insights, collaboration opportunities, and educational priorities that will shape our program and service offering. The team will elevate regional concerns, create local awareness of project resources, services, and programs, and foster efforts to advance a more inclusive and comprehensive history.

Our 2024 advisors include Cass Downing, Kathy Flores, Tempest Heat, Stephanie Hume, Nathan Imig, Patrick Johnson, Amy Luettgen, Victor Macias-Gonzalez, Mark Mariucci, Audrey Nowakowski, Steve Schaffer, Dan Seaver, Ulysses Swanson, Justis Tenpenny, Tiffany Thomas, and Bill Wardlow.

All advisors will be featured on the History Project website and social media.

“The Project started as a one-man show,” said Michail Takach, board chair. “Over the years, we’ve learned that more and more participation renders more and more benefits for everyone. The Advisor program is an open invitation to join us in protecting our past and building our future. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Stand up and be seen.”

Amplifying our online resources

While books can be banned, and curriculum can be censored, our refreshed website — relaunched on National Coming Out Day 2023 — offers more LGBTQ-supporting education than any other institution in Wisconsin.

While Phase I of our website relaunch is complete, Phase II and III will continue into 2024, offering a redesigned, more inclusive, and more immersive user experience, as well as opportunities for community collaboration and contribution.

“We want to inspire student and community historians,” said project founder Don Schwamb. “There are few opportunities for freelance writers to have their work published. By curating community-driven content, we can elevate voices that might not otherwise be heard.”

The Project is seeking grant, sponsor, and donor support to complete the website redesign, which has been the single greatest capital expense in our 30-year history. To lead the ongoing evolution, History Project has retained the services of Rockstar Design.

Reclaiming historical queer spaces

We are committed to celebrating the queer past in our present.

In 2023, we achieved historical landmark status for the Black Nite Brawl of 1961 from state and county agencies. In 2024, we will dedicate a historical marker at 400 N. Plankinton Avenue so that our history can always be seen — even when the venues, buildings, and even entire neighborhoods were erased long ago. This will be the first LGBTQ-themed historic landmark in Wisconsin and the first to honor a black woman of trans experience.

Watch for details on our 30th Anniversary Celebration in spring 2024!

How can you help?

Please consider a tax-deductible year-end gift to the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project — and help us achieve our goal of funding our 2024 operating budget!

Your gift — in any amount — will have tremendous meaning to an all-volunteer organization who has been funding our own costs for 30 years. And your investment will allow us to continue capturing the unique and diverse stories of our community, so that everyone’s story can be seen.

Together, we will rise above the hate that threatens us all.

Donate to our Holiday Fund Drive today

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.