Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project

06/17/2026

LOW TICKET ALERT! On June 28th at 1pm, join Historic Milwaukee and Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project to explore the ruins of Milwaukee's early "gayborhoods." We'll explore the ruins of Milwaukee's first and second "gayborhoods" -- and discuss five pivotal events that transformed not only local q***r lives, but the architecture, history and culture of Walker's Point and the overall landscape of Milwaukee as we know it. Our tour guide, Michail Takach, is a sixth-generation Wisconsinite, author, reporter, historian, and communications professional.

Registration is required, so sign up today! To register you can go to this link: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/historicmilwaukee/items/724231/?ref=FB%20POST&asn=meta-facebookinstagram-usd&asn-ref=FB%20POST&full-items=yes&flow=1367169

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/17/2026

COMING SOON!
Gayborhoods that are Gone: PRIDE EDITION

LOW TICKET ALERT! On June 28th at 1pm, join Historic Milwaukee and Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project to explore the ruins of Milwaukee's early "gayborhoods." We'll explore the ruins of Milwaukee's first and second "gayborhoods" -- and discuss five pivotal events that transformed not only local q***r lives, but the architecture, history and culture of Walker's Point and the overall landscape of Milwaukee as we know it. Our tour guide, Michail Takach, is a sixth-generation Wisconsinite, author, reporter, historian, and communications professional.

Registration is required, so sign up today! To register you can go to this link: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/historicmilwaukee/items/724231/?ref=FB%20POST&asn=meta-facebookinstagram-usd&asn-ref=FB%20POST&full-items=yes&flow=1367169

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/16/2026

Tonight's the night!

Will we see YOU at the Beacons of Brew City: Documentary Premiere tonight? 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/16/2026

Light up the spotlights...
Put the champagne on ice...
Roll out the red carpet...

Because tonight is the NIGHT! Doors open at 6pm for our Beacons of Brew City: Documentary Premiere at the Oriental Theatre.

Thank you to WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR for visiting the City Hall exhibit with us last week! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

You can catch the "Beacons of Brew City" documentary at the Oriential Theatre on June 16 at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be at Style Pop Cafe through June 21.

06/16/2026

GOOD MORNING! We were up and at ‘em early today — reporting live from Art*Bar on TMJ4 News with Kidd O'Shea. Thank you to this crew for making it happen!

Join us tonight at the Oriental Theatre for the Beacons of Brew City: Documentary Premiere. Doors open at 6pm; program starts at 630pm. Bring your applause!

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/16/2026

"My father once told me, 'Son, never start a fight, but never walk away from one.' And I have fought all my life for one thing or another."

Meet our Beacons of Brew City: Jack H. Smith!

Growing up in Racine, Jack H. Smith learned family values that continue to guide his success as a self-made businessman and dedicated philanthropist. He learned the transformative power of being seen in an industry where LGBTQ clients AND realtors often had to hide who they were. Through his authenticity, generosity, and commitment to community, Jack has built a stronger Milwaukee.

Meet Jack at Tuesday's Beacons of Brew City: Documentary Premiere at the Oriental Theatre! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/16/2026

The CROWDS. The ENERGY. The LOVE.

We had such a great day at Wausau Pride!

What an amazing kickoff to the Summer to be Seen! ❤

06/15/2026

"DJs told gay jokes on the radio back then. So I decided to tell inside jokes on the air that only gay people would understand. For the first time, gay people were in on the joke, instead of being the joke." - Bobby Rivers.

Bobby Rivers (1953-2023) was a true changemaker.

Back when media was dominated by straight white men, Bobby Rivers demanded to be seen. He infused Milwaukee airwaves with q***r black representation, heavily coded humor, and celebrity swagger. He challenged a rapidly-changing Milwaukee to do better, be better, and think bigger than we'd ever done before. And you never know where he'd show up next: sitting alongside Liberace on a piano bench, hosting a Village People lookalike contest at Southridge Mall, in the pool with the dolphin trainers at the Natatorium Restaurant. Bobby got around!

Nobody could do Bobby better than Bobby himself, so we encourage you to listen to our spring 2023 podcast interview at Radio Milwaukee: https://bit.ly/bobby23

Thank you to WISN 12 NEWS for elevating the stories of our community during Pride Month. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/15/2026

Thank you WISN 12 NEWS for elevating our stories throughout Pride Month!

Jamie Nabozny barely survived middle school.

After suffering years of horrific homophobic bullying in the Ashland School District, he filed a landmark 1996 lawsuit that changed American legal history forever. For the first time, school employees -- including teachers and administrators -- were accountable for the safety, wellbeing, and equal protection of LGBTQ students. Adults who ignored bullying, harassment, and violence were liable for legal and financial consequences.

Nearly 30 years later, Jamie reflects on his lived experiences -- and why Title IX protections matter now more than ever. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

STORY: https://bit.ly/jamien24

06/15/2026

Saturday, June 13 was a historic day for Wisconsin — and we were so honored to be part of the first-ever Wisconsin Two Spirit Pow Wow! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️