Welcome to CWPride News!
It may be cold outside, but things are starting to heat up for CWPride 26. Schedule, day tickets, and camping reservations are now open online at
centralwipride.org.
We're bringing you an array of news, LGBTQ+ history, and events of interest. This newsletter is here for you to enjoy and stay connected with our community.
📍 CENTRAL WISCONSIN PRIDE NEWS
Mistruss Lola Wins Legend of Drag Award!
Congratulations to Mistruss Lola, the founder of CWPride, who just won a major award at the Wisconsin Drag Awards:
Legend of Drag!
"This means so much to me because the award is decided by public voting. Yes, I love performing and making people smile, but more importantly drag has given me a platform to help others through support and creating events for the LGBTQ community. If in some small way I can make your day a little brighter—fantastic! I love each and every one of you crazy humans. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support."
— Lola Zak, Legend of Drag
Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project: Beacons Event
The Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project is honoring 8 LGBTQ elders by publishing their stories and debuting a short film plus question session at the Tarlton in Green Bay on
Saturday, January 31st.
Tickets are $10 with all proceeds going to the LGBTQ History Project. Come out and join us for food, drinks, and a movie. Talk to the ones who paved the way.
More info →
In a significant policy shift, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rescinded federal guidance that had interpreted Title VII to prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The move reverses protections established during the Biden administration and follows the Supreme Court's 2020 Bostock v. Clayton County decision recognizing such discrimination as sex discrimination under federal law.
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The rescission creates uncertainty about enforcement, though Bostock remains binding legal precedent on federal courts.
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Legal experts warn the change signals reduced federal commitment to investigating and prosecuting LGBTQ discrimination claims.
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Employers are still free to maintain inclusive policies, but face no federal requirement to do so.
Read more →
LGBTQ advocates in Florida confronted a slate of what they call "bigoted" legislation in Tallahassee, including bills targeting marriage equality, Pride flags, and workplace protections. The legislative push comes as families like Juan Dominguez describe struggles accessing gender-affirming care for his transgender son due to existing 2023 restrictions.
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Proposed bills would roll back marriage equality references, restrict Pride displays, and eliminate LGBTQ workplace protections.
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Advocates describe the measures as "smoke bombs" designed to distract from real issues while attacking marginalized communities.
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The Human Rights Campaign reports 21.6% of all U.S. adults—and 29.7% of LGBTQ adults—say acceptance has declined in the past year.
Read more →
As President Trump enters his second year, the Human Rights Campaign and other advocacy groups have documented a full year of policies that have systematically eroded LGBTQ rights, from healthcare access to workplace protections. A Washington Blade analysis catalogs the biggest moves against LGBTQ communities, while new polling shows declining acceptance nationwide.
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HRC warns that LGBTQ+ Americans are "disappearing" from public life under pressure from federal and state policies.
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Federal agencies have rescinded guidance, removed data collection, and eliminated nondiscrimination protections across healthcare, education, and employment.
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The administration's Mexico City policy expansion now includes restrictions on D.E.I. and gender-affirming care in foreign aid.
Read more →
January 26–February 2: Milestones That Shaped Our Movement
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January 26, 2011 – David Kato, a leading Ugandan gay rights campaigner, was beaten to death in his home near Kampala after his name and photo appeared in a tabloid under the headline "Hang Them." Police confirmed the death and arrested one suspect, while activists noted Kato had received death threats since being outed. Colleagues attributed the murder to anti-gay animosity instilled by American evangelicals.
Learn more →
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January 27, 2011 – The UN's International Holocaust Remembrance Day observance officially recognized LGBTQ victims of Nazi persecution. An estimated 50,000 gay and bisexual men were subjected to severe jail sentences and concentration camps. The UN resolution establishing January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day explicitly includes LGBTQ people among victim groups.
Learn more →
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February 1, 2004 – San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom defied state law and began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, starting with lesbian activists Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon. San Francisco became the only U.S. government entity granting such licenses, with over 80 couples married on the first day before the California Supreme Court halted the practice.
Learn more →
🌟 Historic Figure Spotlight: David Kato Kisule
David Kato Kisule (c. 1964–2011) was a Ugandan teacher, activist, and co-founder of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), often described as the first openly gay man in Uganda and a central figure in the country's modern LGBTQ rights movement.
After helping lead a lawsuit against a tabloid that published names and photos under the headline "Hang Them," he was murdered in January 2011. His death sparked global outrage, emergency advocacy, and renewed international attention to the dangers faced by African LGBTQ activists.
Kato's courage in the face of extreme persecution continues to inspire activists worldwide fighting for LGBTQ rights in hostile environments.
Read more →
Mark Your Calendars for 2026!
🏕️ May 28-31 – LGBTQ+ Spring Campout
Join us for a weekend of camping, connection, and community at Motorama Events Grounds.
🏳️🌈 June 13 – Fox Valley Pride
Celebrate Pride with our friends in the Fox Valley community!
🏳️🌈 June 18-21 – Central Wisconsin Pride Festival
Our flagship 4-day festival featuring entertainment, vendors, and celebration for all!
🌲 July 18-20 – Call of the Wild
Experience nature, community, and adventure at our summer campout event.
Learn more →
💎 Emerald Nightclub - February Events
2/13 – DRAG SHOW
2/14 – STOPLIGHT PARTY
2/20 – KARAOKE
2/28 – DJ
More info →
🏳️🌈 OUTLoud inc.
Marathon County LGBTQ+ Center
The only LGBTQ+ Center in Central Wisconsin.
Providing support to the LGBTQ+ community creates inclusive communities where everyone can live and thrive, free from discrimination and prejudice.
We offer peer and family support, advocacy services, and resources for the entire LGBTQ+ community in Marathon County. Whether you're seeking connection, support, or just a safe space to be yourself—we're here for you.
Visit Our Center
🤝 LGBTQIA+ Support Group
The Centre for Well-Being, Inc. (Weston)
"You are not alone; you are warmly welcomed here."
The Centre for Well-Being, Inc., takes pride in providing a nurturing space for individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, allies, and friends. This is a place where you can connect, share, and flourish in a safe and affirming environment.
When: First and Third Saturday of Every Month
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Where: Centre For Well-Being, Inc.
4601 Camp Phillips Road, Weston, WI 54476
(Park in Back-South Entrance)
No registration required. Free and confidential.
