Beacons of the Bay Opening Night

For decades, the stories of the people who built the connections and safe places for the queer community of North East/North Central Wisconsin risked fading away — a phenomenon the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project called "cultural amnesia." To stop that clock, the Beacons of the Bay project was launched and on January 31, 2026, the red carpet rolled out at Green Bay’s Tarlton Theatre to debut a multimedia documentary and traveling exhibit. Dedicated to the late philanthropist Jim Rivett, the project honors eight "queer elders" (ages 55+) who didn't just live through history — they shaped it.

The "Beacons of The Bay" recognized for their resilience are Kathy Flores, Martha Marvel, Joseph Ray Torres, Sandy Brown, Mike Fitzpatrick, Paul “Cricket” Jacob, Lecia Sams, and Lola Zak. This project includes a documentary film by Ashley Altadonna and a gallery of professional portraits taken by Mark Marriucci.

While the project now turns its eyes toward Milwaukee for the upcoming "Beacons of Brew City," the Bay project has ensured that in the North East/North Central Wiscosnin area, the pioneers aren't just remembered—they’re celebrated while they're still here to see the lights on!

Pictures below include Michail Tacach -- President of Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project / Director of Brand & Content Dan Terrio -- Program Director of Fundraising and Partnerships of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. Pete Angiello represented the Canary Fund and the evening concluded with a panel discussion/audience Q + A's, moderated by Rachel Manek of Good Day Wisconsin/WLUK TV11 of Green Bay.