Michail Takach Helps Document Wisconsin’s LGBTQ History

Michail Takach is a sixth-generation Wisconisite and has channeled his passion for history into chronicling the storied LGBTQ history of the state, through the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project.

Takach has worked for the past 13 years to illuminate the stories of queer folks in Wisconsin who have contributed to the movement for LGBTQ equality.

He tells LGBTQ Nation, “We recognized early on that our mission and purpose as a united team was to connect people with history and heritage that has long been hidden, silenced, and erased,” adding that he hopes his work shows Wisconsinites that LGBTQ history is everywhere, not just in places like Stonewall and San Francisco’s Castro District. He says that knowing one’s local LGBTQ history instills an important sense of pride and unity.

The History project dates back to 1995, when it was founded by Don Schwamb and run as a one-man operation until Takach joined. Upon joining, Takach made it his mission to bring Schwamb’s decades of work front and center, ensuring that as many people possible could experience what the History Project offers.

Takach started by writing articles for local queer media, conducting walking tours, offering free presentations, providing history lessons on social media, and engaging with the community.

His efforts or completely volunteer, since the History Project is self-funded, independent, and unsponsored.

Takach spent this year successfully lobbying Wisconsin politicians, including Governor Tony Evers (D), to recognize a pre-Stonewall uprising called the Black Nite Brawl as the origins of the state’s LGBTQ movement.

The state recognized a Black Nite Remembrance Day back in August, recognizing the late Josie Carter, a gender-nonconforming person of color who started the uprising. The History Project interviewed her back in 2011.

Given that LGBTQ history is barely taught in schools, Takach says that the fact his work is reaching people is the best possible reward. Only six states currently require some form of LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum; in fact, four states still have laws on the books that prohibit the teaching of LGBTQ issues in schools.

Wisconsin specifically has introduced Assembly Bill 562, which would require schools to notify parents or guardians before teaching students lessons related to gender identity, sexual orientation, gender, or gender expression. Parents could then opt their children out of learning about these issues.

“So the importance of our work has never been more critical or urgent,” Takach says.

He says he is humbled by the recognition and hopes that the History Project continues to empower those who find it.

“What our work does is it shows people there are a long line of people who came before you who had experiences just like you, and they triumphed and they accomplished things and hopefully, that’ll inspire people to do the same thing for their community.”

Photo courtesy of Michail Takach and LGBTQ Nation