We Will Always Be Here: A Guide to Exploring and Understanding the History of LGBTQ+ Activism in Wisconsin by Jenny Kalvaitis

From Wisconsin Historical Society Press:

"For as long as there have been people in Wisconsin, there have been people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, as well as those who do not have the words to describe their gender identity or sexual orientation. For just as long, these LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites have been engaging in various forms of activism. Through primary sources and short contextual descriptions, this book aims to present an array of examples of LGBTQ+ activism throughout Wisconsin's history for teens to explore and discuss. The book is divided into five chapters, which each feature a handful of primary sources, from articles, zines, and love letters to photographs, posters, and objects. The sources also reflect a diversity of races, genders, sexual orientations, experiences, and time periods (ranging between 1914 and 2020). These primary sources are intended to provide a jumping-off point for readers who are interested in learning more about LGBTQ+ history and activism, as well as for readers who want to build on the work of earlier activists to ensure that we will always be here"--

Jenny Kalvaitis has a Master's degree in Public History from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and she has worked in informal education and museum education for over ten years. Kristen Whitson has a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and she has worked in digital preservation, community and indigenous archives, and LGBTQ+ archives.

This inspiring and educational book presents examples of LGBTQ+ activism throughout Wisconsin's history for young people to explore and discuss. Drawing from a rich collection of primary sources--including diary entries, love letters, zines, advertisements, oral histories, and more--the book provides a jumping-off point for readers who are interested in learning more about LGBTQ+ history and activism, as well as for readers who want to build on the work of earlier activists.

We Will Always Be Here shines a light on powerful and often untold stories from Wisconsin's history, featuring individuals across a wide spectrum of identities and from all corners of the state. The LGBTQ+ people, allies, and activists in this guide changed the world by taking steps that young people can take today--by educating themselves, telling their own stories, being true to themselves, building communities, and getting active. The aim of this celebratory book is not only to engage young people in Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ history, but also to empower them to make positive change in the world.