We Will Always Be Here: A Guide to Exploring and Understanding the History of LGBTQ+ Activism in Wisconsin

by Jenny Kalvaitis, Kristen Whitson

Overview

This inspiring and educational book presents examples of LGBTQ+ activism throughout Wisconsin’s history for young people to explore and discuss. Drawing from a rich collection of primary sources—including diary entries, love letters, zines, advertisements, oral histories, and more—the book provides a jumping-off point for readers who are interested in learning more about LGBTQ+ history and activism, as well as for readers who want to build on the work of earlier activists.

We Will Always Be Here shines a light on powerful and often untold stories from Wisconsin’s history, featuring individuals across a wide spectrum of identities and from all corners of the state. The LGBTQ+ people, allies, and activists in this guide changed the world by taking steps that young people can take today—by educating themselves, telling their own stories, being true to themselves, building communities, and getting active. The aim of this celebratory book is not only to engage young people in Wisconsin’s LGBTQ+ history, but also to empower them to make positive change in the world.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780870209628
Publisher:	Wisconsin Historical Society
Publication date:	05/19/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	153
Lexile:	1170L (what's this?)
File size:	12 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Jenny Kalvaitis has a Master’s degree in Public History from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, and she has worked in informal education and museum education for over ten years. Kristen Whitson has a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and she has worked in digital preservation, community and indigenous archives, and LGBTQ+ archives.

Table of Contents

Contents Introduction Framework Analyzing Primary Sources Vocabulary and Pronouns Historical Perspectives Overview 1. Educate Yourself (Because Knowledge Is Power) “Female Impersonator” Advertisement GPU News Our Lives Magazine “Two Black Women Seek Marriage License” in The Ladder The Queer Zine Archive Project 2. Tell Your Story (Because No One Else Can) Lou Sullivan’s Diary Entries Glenway Wescott’s Short Stories R. Richard Wagner’s Wisconsin History Newsletters and Leaping La Crosse News The Digital Transgender Archive’s Oral Histories 3. Be True to Yourself (Because Self-Acceptance Is Key) Ralph Kerwineo: Early Cross-Dresser Bob Neal and Edgar Hellum: Business and Life Partners Ron McCrea: Out Gay Press Chief Donna Coleman: Motorcycle Club Cofounder Bi?Shy?Why?: Madison’s Bisexual Group Eugene Schrang: Gender Confirmation Surgeon 4. Build Community (Because There Is Strength in Numbers) Ted Pierce’s Magic Group Lysistrata Wisconsin Womyn’s Land Cooperative Gay Travel Guides The Fire Ball Drag Show Two Teenagers in Twenty 5. Get Active (Because Change Is Always Possible) Jamie Nabozny’s Court Case Judy Greenspan’s School Board Run Wisconsin Goes to Washington Lloyd Barbee’s Gay Rights Advocacy The HIV/AIDS Epidemic Conclusion Appendix A: Map Appendix B: Timeline Appendix C: Additional Resources Acknowledgments Notes Index