Our Lives Magazine

10/28/2024

"Nowadays, they say it gets better. But back then, nobody was telling me that it was going to get better."

As a high school sophomore, Kenya Black Dupree made history as the first out trans girl to attend Milwaukee Public Schools. Decades later, she shares her triumphant story with the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

She was the first out trans girl to attend Milwaukee Public Schools. Now 47, Kenya shares her triumphant story.

10/19/2024

Wisconsin airwaves have exploded with attack ads designed to use trans identity as a wedge issue to divide Wisconsinites and sow fear in our electorate. Fair Wisconsin Executive Director Abby Swetz unpacks why we cannot let these attacks work.

Wisconsin politicians are using anti-trans ads to sow division and fear this election. These attacks are factually and ethically wrong.

10/18/2024

10/12/2024

Can I tell you my coming out story? 🏳️‍🌈

I first came out in college. Back then, I knew I was interested in public service, but I feared that I would face a serious choice between pursuing the field of my dreams or living my authentic life openly.

Watching others in the LGBTQ+ community demonstrate acts of courage by coming out, being themselves, and being public about who they are—they helped me realize that I could do both. I could both run for office and be honest about who I am.

Thanks to the support of so many of you, I became the first openly-gay U.S. Senator in our nation’s history. But I didn’t run to make history. I ran to make a difference.

I knew this extraordinary opportunity had to be used to make a difference—and people like you supported me because you wanted to make a difference, too. Together, we’ve made remarkable progress, but our work isn’t over.

Those of us who have been in this movement long enough know that we cannot mistake progress for victory, which is why I'm running for reelection. We’re at a difficult moment in our fight right now, but we have to keep going.

We may not win every fight, but the representation we’ve fought for and won over the course of a generation—all over the country, at every level of government—means that we no longer have to stand alone.

We are here. We have real power. So this and every day: Be out. Be visible. Be vocal. That's how change happens.

10/11/2024

Moments from the annual dinner.

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10/02/2024

Twenty years before “Gay & Le***an Studies” were introduced at the University of Wisconsin, Louis Stimac of Gay People’s Union was teaching our history at the Milwaukee Free University.

On the first day of National LGBT History Month, we honor the spiritual father of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project.

STORY: https://www.wislgbthistory.com/blog/celebrating-a-long-lost-champion-of-our-hidden-history

09/19/2024

Our September/October Arts & Entertainment issue is out soon! Inside we introduce you to ’s new Gabriele Haberland Director, Paul Baker Prindle, and ’s new Executive Director, Abigail Swetz. We unpack how is targeting LGBTQ Americans. We get to know better and visit the in Watertown. All that, plus our annual LGBTQ+ directory or local artists to top it off!

09/18/2024

September/October 2024 out soon!
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Subscribe for free to make sure you get a copy: https://ourliveswisconsin.com/free-subscription

09/16/2024

The Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project reported today that 200 E. Washington, formerly known as le***an destination Fannie’s (1982-2002) and q***r EDM hotspot Studio 200, has been demolished.

This is the second LGBTQ landmark to be demolished this year in Walker’s Point, following the loss of the long-neglected 173 S 2nd St. (formerly the Knight Owl and Seaway Inn) earlier this summer.

09/16/2024

Bisexual Awareness Week is usually celebrated Sept. 16-23, ending with Bisexual Visibility Day on Sept. 23.

But this year, Bi+ Pride Milwaukee and the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project are amplifying the Bi-Fi signal all month long. Follow them on Facebook -- and visit the History Project website -- to join this year's celebration.

VISIT: https://wislgbthistory.com/blog/

09/09/2024

The complaint was filed on behalf of trans and nonbinary students in Kettle Moraine School District.

Complaint filed on behalf of trans and nonbinary students in Kettle Moraine School District.

08/21/2024

WANTED:
BISEXUALS!

08/20/2024

Madison Pride - Magic Pride Festival (3 of 3)

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08/20/2024

Madison Pride - Magic Pride Festival (2 of 3)

📸: for

08/20/2024

Madison Pride - Magic Pride Festival (1 of 3)

📸: for

08/20/2024

Scenes from Pride Block Party (2 of 2).

08/20/2024

Scenes from Pride Block Party (1 of 2).

08/14/2024

“There’s been a massive backlash against progress lately—against women, the LGBTQ community, and anti-racism work—and we could lose everything again,” she says. "Now is the time for us to come together."

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway shares her story with the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project:

Madison's second female mayor made history in 2019 as Wisconsin's first out le***an mayor.