From Crosswalks to City Hall – Milwaukee LGBT Community Center Calls on City Leaders to Paint Equity Into Budget
Rainbow Crosswalk Shines as Center Pushes for Lasting LGBTQ+ Investment
Milwaukee, WI – The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center turned a day of celebration into a call to action, connecting public art with public policy. From the unveiling of the new Rainbow Crosswalk in Walker’s Point to testimony before the Common Council, the Center underscored that true progress requires meaningful investment — and that Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community deserves sustained funding, not fleeting recognition, in the city’s budget and priorities.
At the unveiling, Ritchie T. Martin, Executive Director of Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, delivered a compelling address to the public, stating: “Today, we don’t just paint a street — we proclaim a promise. A promise that every person, no matter who they are, who they love, or how they show up in this world, deserves to cross safely, to walk proudly, to belong completely.”
Following the crosswalk celebration, Martin testified before city leaders at the public budget hearing, calling for sustained investment in LGBTQ+ programs and equitable inclusion in public funding – outlining solutions and challenging them with sobering data.
“If you believe in equity, then fund it. If you believe in inclusion, then budget for it. If you believe that LGBTQ people matter, then make us visible not only in your proclamations, but in your allocations. Every dollar invested in counseling, housing, and crisis services saves three to six dollars in emergency response and policing costs. That’s not just compassion, that’s fiscal responsibility.”
For nearly three decades, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center has served as a lifeline and leader, offering mental health counseling, trans and nonbinary support, youth and family programs, and community education. This call for investment comes as it continues a rigorous fundraising campaign to stabilize operations after losing more than $900,000 in federal funding.
- The Center served more than 48,000 people last year — including youth, elders, and families seeking mental health care, housing, and hope.
- More than half of youth in Milwaukee housing programs identify as LGBTQIA+, reflecting a growing need for affirming and safe spaces.
- 57% of those same youth who sought mental health care did not receive it, revealing persistent barriers to access.
As Milwaukee continues to shape its 2026 budget, the Center’s message remains clear: true inclusion requires investment.
About the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center
For over 25 years, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center has served as a cornerstone of advocacy, health, and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals across southeastern Wisconsin. Through programs in mental health, youth and family support, trans and nonbinary services, and civic engagement, the Center ensures that every person can live safely, proudly, and authentically. Learn more, donate, or get involved, visit mkelgbt.org.
About the Rainbow Crosswalk
The Rainbow Crosswalks, sponsored by the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, are an extension of the City of Milwaukee Paint the Pavement program established in 2018. Entirely funded, supported, and maintained by private donors, the Crosswalks were designed by internationally known queer street artist Jeremy Novy.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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