This Month in the History of Gay and Lesbian life in Wisconsin--
Month by Month, Year by Year

This Month in Wisconsin LGBT History: July 2007

35 years ago-- 1972-- Survey of the homosexual lifestyle in Milwaukee garners 120 responses. Juneau Park is a hot spot for cruising, both in the park and its "tea room", and in the surrounding blocks, and Milwaukee Police are making many arrests. The Nite Beat at 183 S. 2nd St. is renamed the Riviera Show Lounge, with a first production titled "The Dolly Review" featuring female impersonators Winnie Storm, Mel Powers, Mother Chris, Andretta and others, and produced by "Norma Jean" Baker.

30 years ago-- 1977-- Red Baron disco has its liquor license renewed after charges of discrimination against blacks and women are heard. Alyn Hess steps down as President of GPU. UW-Madison creates an Assistance Committee to discuss and act upon any case of discrimination against a gay student. Ex-Governor Patrick Lucey answers a question about Anita Bryant by saying "I think that sexual preference ought not to deny any American citizen of all the rights and privileges that other citizens enjoy". The Milwaukee Gay Guide publishes its first issue, listing 18 gay/lesbian bars, 4 restaurants, 2 bath houses, and 2 bookstores.

20 years ago-- 1987-- The Society Club, an organization of black gays and lesbians, holds an AIDS Benefit Ball for MAP (Milw. AIDS Project). Cream City Foundation funds the first gay cable show in Milwaukee: Tri-Cable Tonight. Lambda Rights Network fights a state bill intended to exempt Rawhide Boys Ranch from the state's gay anti-discrimination law. The U.S. Supreme Court rules we cannot use the term "Gay Olympics".

15 years ago-- 1992-- 19th annual MAGIC Picnic held in Madison on July 18th. Milwaukee Classic softball tournament estimated to have a positive economic impact of at least $250,000 on the city. Eighty three men are arrested in UWM restrooms over the course of a few weeks in July; reportedly, few of them are students or faculty.

    35 years ago
    1972

    GPU News, July 1972
     
    30 years ago
    1977

    GPU News, July 1977
     
    25 years ago
    1982

    (no resources available from July 1982)
    20 years ago
    1987

    In Step, vol. 4 no. 11
    (July 9-22, 1987)
     
    15 years ago
    1992

    In Step, vol. 9 no. 13
    (July 2-15, 1992)
     
    15 years ago
    1992

    Wisconsin Light, vol. 5 no. 14
    (July 9-22, 1992)
     
    10 years ago
    1997

    In Step, vol. 14 no. 15
    (July 24, 1997)
     
    10 years ago
    1997

    Wisconsin Light, vol. 10 no. 15
    (July 17-30, 1997)
     
    10 years ago
    1997

    Quest, vol. 4 no. 11
    (July 10-23, 1997)
     

Note: The issues appearing above are some of those dated in the featured month. However, relevant news may appear in issues previous to or after that pictured and linked above: earlier issues may have ads or announcements of upcoming events, and later issues may carry actual photos or more extensive coverage of events that occurred after publication deadlines.


 

Credits: "This Month in History" concept by Kate Sherry of Q-Life, and Don Schwamb;
Page design and arrangement by Don Schwamb.
Last updated: July-2007.