Photo by Tyler Klein
Dear Ruthie
The Shepherd Express recently celebrated the 10th Annual LGBTQ+ Progress Awards in the Serenity Room at Potawatomi Casino & Hotel. The event has been a pivotal platform for honoring individuals, businesses and organizations that have significantly advanced LGBTQ+ equality in Milwaukee. These honorees, many of whom have devoted decades to advocacy, embody the relentless pursuit of social justice for the LGBTQ+ community. Their contributions span in various fields, including the arts, athletics, law, philanthropy, health care and historical preservation.
Drag queen, performer and comedian Dear Ruthie hosted the event, while former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson made a special appearance. Thompson played a unique, crucial role as an LGBTQ+ ally during the height of the AIDS crisis. He addressed Wisconsin's pressing health crisis, shifting public attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS and the broader LGBTQ community. Thompson's compassionate leadership was celebrated at the event, highlighting his enduring impact on LGBTQ+ progress.
The 2024 recipients are highlighted below:
- Tommy Thompson: Special Ally
- Brenda Lewison: Business
- Scott Stewart: Arts & Culture
- UWM LGBT Archive & Special Collections: Education
- Mona Garcia: Equality
- Stephanie Sue Stein: Health
- Anthony "Tony" Rhodes: Philanthropy
- Lula Reams: Pioneer
