We Will Always Be Here: Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ Historymakers

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The past is full of stories waiting — sometimes demanding — to be told.

The traveling display We Will Always Be Here: Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ Historymakers explores the stories of Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ historymakers through profiles of eight individuals across a wide spectrum of identities who have helped to empower others to make a positive change in the world. Meet some of our LGBTQ+ visionaries, changemakers, and storytellers in the new traveling display featuring artwork by nipinet landsem.

This display is available to schools, GSAFE programs, public libraries, historical societies and civic organizations in Wisconsin.

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Illustrations of Lou Sullivan standing alone and Donna Burkett and Manonia Evans standing together.

Lou Sullivan, Donna Burkett and Manonia Evans

Background

We Will Always Be Here tells the stories of LGBTQ+ historymakers in simple, graphic novel-inspired language, with original artwork by artist nipinet landsem (see below). The display is most suitable for secondary schools and the general public.

View the complete contents of each panel.

An education guide with examples of LGBTQ+ activism throughout Wisconsin’s history for young people to explore and discuss is also available (see below).

Request This Display

Display Details

10 double-sided, poly fabric banners, 37" x 45", in banner frames for tabletop exhibition

50 sq. ft.

$100, plus transport

Three copies of the display are available for rental, based in Madison, Milwaukee, and Ashland. Renters are responsible for arranging transport to and from their venue; in some cases, venues may be able to make arrangements with preceding or following venues if scheduling allows.

Proceeds from traveling exhibit rentals support the Society's ongoing outreach programs and activities.

Up to 4 weeks. Venues may schedule the display for more than 4 weeks for an additional fee.

When people look at me, I want them to think — there's one of those people... that has their own interpretation of happiness.

Lou Sullivan, 1966

We Will Always Be Here on Display

We Will Always Be Here on display at the Dunn County Historical Society.

About the Artist

tattoo artist and illustrator nipinet landsem is an indigequeer anishinaabe and michif artist currently based out of minneapolis, minnesota. they are a descendant of the turtle mountain band of chippewa and a citizen of the manitoba métis federation and are deeply drawn to the history of the lakes and prairies they grew up on in minnesota and the surrounding states. nipinet is passionate about using art to tell contemporary indigenous stories, especially those involving complex queer and two-spirit identities, and even more so when they can draw a throughline from the past, through the present, to the future. they have been telling these stories with their tattoo clients for over 5 years.

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