Wisconsin's first LGBTQ historic landmark to be dedicated in Milwaukee

Next week, Milwaukee buildings will glisten pink, blue and white as the Wisconsin Historical Society dedicates the first LGBTQ historic landmark in state history .

The location is near the Black Nite tavern in Milwaukee, the site of Wisconsin's first LGBTQ uprising, in 1961.

When will Wisconsin's first LGBTQ historic landmark be dedicated?

The landmark dedication is at 3:30 p.m. Monday, followed by a community celebration.

Sponsored by the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project , it's also the first state landmark to honor a Black transgender person.

Where is Wisconsin's first LGBTQ historic landmark?

The landmark dedication is in downtown Milwaukee on the southwest corner of West St. Paul and North Plankinton avenues.

What was the Black Nite Uprising?

The Black Nite Uprising took place outside the Black Nite tavern on Aug. 5, 1961. The event started when four servicemen invaded the Black Nite tavern, later igniting a brawl .

Josie Carter, a young Black transgender woman, defended the space during a time when drag queens were often not accepted in bars and homosexuals were marginalized.

Who is the landmark commemorating?

The landmark is honoring Carter and the Black Nite customers for their sense of community, pride and call for action.

The Wisconsin Historic LGBTQ project will sponsor costs of illumination as nearby buildings and the Hoan bridge light up in pink, blue and white — transgender pride colors.

Why is Josie Carter important to Milwaukee?

It's possible the 1961 uprising in Milwaukee is one of, if not, the earliest LGBTQ uprisings in U.S. history, according to a New York Times story .

Carter's efforts to bring people together to defend their rights drew immense media attention, shining a light on the struggles of the LGBTQ community.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin's first LGBTQ historic landmark to be dedicated in Milwaukee