A flurry of executive orders from President Donald Trump have targeted transgender Americans, and references to transgender people are being scrubbed from federal websites. Listen to Wisconsin Watch reporter Phoebe Petrovic on the City Cast Madison podcast talk with host Bianca Martin about what’s happening in Wisconsin, particularly the decision by Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee to not accept new patients for gender-affirming care.
There are a multitude of organizations in Madison that support LGBTQ+ rights. Here are some of them for those who want to join or donate to support their work.
While OutReach sponsors the annual Magic Pride Festival in Warner Park every summer, the nonprofit provides resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community throughout the year, including building community, providing health and human services, and advocating for economic, social, and racial justice advocacy. Get involved.
Briarpatch Youth Services is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of services to youth who are experiencing homelessness, have run away from home, or are otherwise facing challenges. They offer shelter, counseling and job assistance, and Briarpatch’s Teens Like Us program specifically supports LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-18. Donate here.
The local chapter of the long-standing national organization (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbian and Gays) is an alliance of LGBTQ+ people, families, friends, and allies providing support for those who have LGBTQ+ people in their lives, and working together for a more just and inclusive world.
The political action committee works to secure equal rights under the law for LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites, including enshrining same-sex marriage protections and expanding anti-discrimination statutes, and works to support candidates allied with those causes. Get involved.
GSAFE works to create just schools for LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin by training educators, developing LGBTQ+ youth leaders, and supporting gay-straight alliances. Get involved here.
The center, located in the Red Gym, provides both a safe physical space for LGBTQ+ students and their allies to come together and a mission to support, empower, and celebrate the community.
Since 2007, this publication has been reporting on LGBTQ+ people and issues in Wisconsin. Annual subscriptions are free of charge, although Our Lives encourages readers to support those who advertise with them.
