Gayborhoods that are Gone

On this brisk and colorful walking tour, we'll explore the ruins of Milwaukee's first and second "gayborhoods."
For generations, gay, lesbian and gender non-conforming individuals were told they were the only ones in the world. They lived isolated, confusing, often tragic lives -- totally unaware of the remarkable history, heritage and community that LGBTQ Milwaukee offered as early as the 1880s.
We'll explore the ruins of Milwaukee's first and second "gayborhoods" -- and discuss five pivotal events that transformed not only queer life in Milwaukee, but the architecture, history and culture of Walker's Point as we know it.
This is a .3 mile, one-way walk utilzing city streets and sidewalks. This route does include uneven sidewalks, railroad tracks and potentially rough road. While we welcome all visitors, please plan accordingly. The tour is outdoors, please dress for the weather, as we plan to walk rain or shine.
We are meeting at 401 N. Plankinton Ave. - at the state historic marker, near the Hop Stop at the SW corner of Plankinton & St. Paul. Note that parking may be difficult to find south of Michigan St. during brunch hours.
Michail Takach is a sixth-generation Wisconsinite, author, reporter, historian, and communications professional. He is the Chair of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, now celebrating 30 years of reconnecting Wisconsin with its past to inspire a more inclusive future.
Additional walk leaders, including B.J. Daniels, Diane Gregory, and Jamie Taylor, will join the tour to share their lived experiences and memories of yesterday's gayborhoods.
Recommended pre-reading: LGBT Milwaukee (2016) and Milwaukee Drag: Seven Generations of Glamour (2022) available for purchase at Historic Milwaukee.

Host or Publisher Historic Milwaukee