Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project launches community fundraiser

Milwaukee, WI. –  The commitment — and the call to action — of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project is to #BeSeen.

Since 1995, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project website has become the state’s largest repository of digital LGBTQ media.  The website is the fastest and easiest way for our history to be seen by the largest possible audience worldwide.  However, the site has reached the end of its natural life — and must be replaced — to continue our ongoing research, documentation and outreach.

Today, we are launching the second fundraiser in our history to raise the necessary funding for a full website redesign.

The new website will provide an improved user experience for both visitors and webmasters, allow enhanced sharing and interaction, integrate larger photos and videos, with faster, easier, and less technical publishing processes.  We are working with Accurate Digital Solutions, a Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce partner, to scope, plan and deliver these solutions.

However, the project costs greatly exceed our self-funded operating budget — and the costs of continuing with our current site are even greater. We are also actively seeking grants, corporate and personal donors to advance the project.

What is our history and heritage worth to you? Consider a gift to the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project to ensure this online resource outlives us all. Your gift is especially meaningful at a time when LGBTQ history, people, and even words are being banned not only in other states, but in communities right here in southeastern Wisconsin.

We want all LGBTQ people — from youth to elders — to ensure they have free and unrestricted access to an online resource where their history and heritage can #BeSeen.

Last summer, we were able to secure formal recognition for Wisconsin’s first LGBTQ uprising — and Wisconsin’s first historical recognition for a trans woman of color — through the Black Nite 60th celebration. This early uprising was nearly lost to history, if not for our efforts to commemorate and memorialize the event.

And in 2022, we have been seen through several new, innovative and exciting contributions to the community!

• We launched season one of the Be Seen podcast, in partnership with 88 Nine Radio Milwaukee, which featured seven critical conversations about Milwaukee’s unique and colorful LGBTQ history, and the people who were and are making history;

• We supported Milwaukee’s first LGBTQ walking tour app, LGBT Milwalkee, with original historical research, media, marketing and promotion;

• We released our second publication, Milwaukee Drag: Seven Generations of Glamour, now available from the History Press, chronicling 140 years of female impersonation and gender identity in the Cream CIty;

• Don Schwamb, History Project founder and webmaster, was honored by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors with a lifetime achievement award for his many contributions to the local LGBTQ community.

Thank you in advance for your support of our continued work!  If you have any questions, please contact us at wislgbtqhistory@gmail.com.

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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.