LGBTQ+ Community in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Proud

The LGBTQ+ community in Milwaukee is no stranger to showing their true colors. In fact, this fabulous community has been booming and growing since the Prohibition Era. The city has even received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipality Equality Index since 2018. Thanks to its people, Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s largest hub to celebrate, dance and show pride in your authentic self.

three friends cheering in front of a stage at pridefest

Cultural Institutions

Black Pride Milwaukee, Inc.
Black Pride Milwaukee celebrates and uplifts the voices of Milwaukee's Black LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, cultural events and support. Their mission fosters unity, empowerment and a sense of belonging for those navigating the intersection of Black and queer identities.

Courage MKE
With their mission of helping find homes and providing imperative hygiene resources for displaced LGBTQ+ youth, Courage MKE is helping kids feel and be more themselves.

Equal Rights Commission
The mission of the Equal Rights Commission is to promote and protect equality, equity, and human rights through education, enforcement, and community engagement.

Hmong American Women’s Association
Hmong American Women’s Association fights for justice for Hmong & Southeast Asian LGBTQ gender rights. The group has programming that provides support for victims and survivors of assault, coming out and navigating gender identity, and LGBTQ+ Youth support.

lbgt milWALKee
“History in your hands… fabulousness at your feet.” The lgbt milWALKee app tells the history of local LGBTQ+ people, organizations and events through physical sites mapped into virtual walking tours.

Milwaukee’s Black Nite Uprising
The 1961 Black Nite Uprising galvanized Milwaukee's LGBTQ community, uniting over 70 patrons to defend their safe space. In 2021, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project secured official civic commemoration, leading to a Historical Marker's installation in 2023 at 406 N. Plankinton Ave.

Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
While helping support the economic growth of LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce promotes equality and inclusivity for all.

Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project
For over three decades, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project has been meticulously documenting, preserving, and sharing the rich tapestry of LGBTQ life throughout Wisconsin. Founded in Milwaukee in the early 1990s, they've grown to become the state's largest digital repository of LGBTQ historical and educational resources.

Milwaukee LGBT Community Center
The mission of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is to help enrich the lives of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and as a result, make life better for all of us. They provide programming and resources to help people feel more themselves.

Milwaukee Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
The Milwaukee chapter of PFLAG helps promote support and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. Through different educational programs and advocacy efforts, their mission is to work to enlighten the public and work toward a better tomorrow.

Milwaukee Pride
Milwaukee Pride helps the LGBTQ+ community live proud, always. Not only has Milwaukee Pride offered the largest celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Wisconsin since 1987 with talented performances and bumpin’ music, but they also engage with the LGBTQ+ community all year round.

Addiction Resources & Rehabs for the LGBTQ+ Community

To combat addiction and mental health risks, many organizations offer targeted resources and support for the community. Discover an exhaustive list of those LGBTQ resources on Rehab.com.