Gay bars in south eastern wisconsin

For 75 years, it was a haven of society, community, and brotherhood. Returning home, they sought spaces to continue those community connections they had forged in wartime. Milwaukee already had an abundance of gay bars, but it was not exactly safe for people — especially professionals with careers and families — to be seen anywhere near them.

Some did the next best thing: they formed private, invitation-only clubs that would entertain in their own homes, where they were presumably but not legally safer. Over the years, these clubs maintained such tremendous security that their existence was often in question. What were they doing? Who were their members? How did you join?

Were they real, or just an urban legend? The 50th anniversary trip to Las Vegas. Now, this long-standing tradition is coming to an end. On Nov. Patience, Tolerance, Acceptance In12 gay men got together in Milwaukee to celebrate their friendship. They created a monthly dinner club, with the objective that each person would host dinner and drinks in their home one month a year.

Gay Wisconsin

Clara Paul in Nobody questioned whether or not they had children or even if they were married. This code protected the dinner club and its members throughout the Lavender Scare and the McCarthy Era. If they were suspected, they would be watched. If they were watched, they might slip up. If they slip up, they could be arrested, jailed or worse.

Secrecy was incredibly important. Avoiding suspicion was essential. Ask any member over time and you will get a different answer. Today, PTA has a list of the documents that were destroyed, but none of the details. The members were afraid they would get caught in their own homes. Each active member is required to attend each meeting.

The president would contact the member and discuss the status of their membership and their commitment. Everything was sent in writing, by mail — not email — so that there was an official record. Here is who attended, here is what we have in the treasury, here is what we discussed.