One of the great things about Wisconsin is that it’s a hotbed of music. From folk to punk varieties and from theaters to dance club venues, music is a staple in the Brew City nightlife—and the LGBT social scene is no exception.
PrideFest might be over and Summerfest is just around the corner, however there are plenty of pride parties and music fests to enjoy. Check out the list of happenings to see what I mean. Until then, let’s read a letter from a woman whose partner is marching to the beat of her own drum.
Dear Ruthie,
I’m a Lesbian who fell in love with a beautiful woman, inside and out. In the last 15 months, she’s admitted to struggling with gender identity issues and has begun what she believes is her transition to becoming a trans man.
I love her and I want to be supportive, but it’s tough. I love women and I’m attracted to women so her transition is tough. I feel like a bad person who isn’t supportive, but this isn’t what I bargained for when we started our life together. How I should proceed?
—Feeling Confused
Dear Connie Confusion,
I don’t think anyone doubts your support or questions the conflicts you’re facing. In fact, it makes complete sense that you’d be unsure of your attractiveness to your partner and your future overall. I’d suggest couples therapy for both of you. This will help you both deal with the uncertainty you’re feeling, and can help you both prepare for the future. Let a counselor help you turn a confusing and scary time into an exciting time of change, growth and ultimate happiness for each of you.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
June 10: 50 & Better Support Group at Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (1110 N. Market St.): This support group of folks over the age of 50 meets every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Retirement options, family issues and more are often topics of conversation among this fun and friendly social group.
June 11-20: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at Next Act Theatre (255 S. Water St.): All In Productions presents this longtime LGBT favorite that combines the doo-wop music of the ’60s with a sassy man-eating plant. An insanely wonderful score, kooky characters and a heartfelt love story keep this green-thumb great so popular. Visit nextact.org for show times and tickets.
June 12: ‘Oh, Pit Crew!’ Party at Plan B (924 Williamson St., Madison): Meet Jason and Bryce, two of the hunky helpers from RuPaul’s Drag Race, during this pre-Fruit Fest bash. Party with the pit crew, DJ Amos and The Honey B’s from 9 p.m. to bar close. You must be over 18 to attend (and over 21 to drink). Let the music play…and don’t fuck it up!
June 13: Madison Fruit Fest (924 Williamson St., Madison): Get your groove on and twerk your candy-coated ass over to Mad City for this annual LGBTQI summer music fest. A great lineup of headliners, a host of DJs, a gaggle of drag queens and others, in addition to plenty of beer, food, vendors and beer make this one to remember. (I really like beer, by the way!) Check out all the fruity-good festivities Madison has to offer, but visit fruitfestmadison.org first for a complete lineup.
June 13: Sheboygan Pride Dance Party at Blue Lite (1029 N. Eighth St., Sheboygan): Still in the mood to celebrate the colors of the rainbow? Join the kids in Sheboygan for this wild night of dancing, drinking and debauchery. Doors open at 7 p.m. with DJ Misty, shot boys and a prize for the best rainbow outfit. Wave your pride flag high…and then wrap it around your waist and dance the night away!
June 13 & 14: Filth Fest at Cocoon Room (820 E. Locust St.): Billed as a queer punk fest, this third annual event offers more than a dozen bands, DJs, dancing, vegan food and more for a $7 to $10 sliding scale. An all-ages event, the music starts at noon. Proceeds from the punk-a-thon go to Project Q of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.
June 14: Leather Pride at Kruz Bar (354 E. National Ave.): The members of the Castaways MC leather-Levi social group are at it again with this day-drinking bonanza. Slurp it up and suck it down from 3 to 7 p.m. with a beer bust, drink specials and raffle prizes to boot…leather boot, that is!
Have a question for Ruthie or want to tell her about an event? Email DearRuthie@Shepex.com. You can also find Ruthie on Twitter (@DearRuthie) and Facebook (Ruthie Keester).
