Photo by Maggie Vaughn
As a partner in the law firm of Ramon & Medrano and a member of the board of directors of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Israel Ramon has seen gay issues and rights undergo a rapid transformation. Even with growing acceptance in society, LGBT youth continue to struggle with harassment and the implications of coming out. On Thursday, June 25 from 6-9 p.m. the Community Center will host a fundraiser for its preeminent program, Project Q, at Milwaukee’s Kasana Restaurant and Bar; to register, visit mkelgbt.org. Off the Cuff sat down with Ramon to discuss Project Q, and its growth into a positive and safe space for young LGBT Milwaukeeans.
When did you begin your advocacy in Milwaukee?
I was always very Chicano centric when I was younger. I have been involved with the Latino community and over the years have been on numerous boards and organizations. But it wasn’t until around six years ago that I officially came out and felt an obligation to become more involved in the LGBT community just as I was involved in the Latino community. Both of those groups are what make me up.
Why has the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center become so important to you?
I have always had a very strong sense of community, especially when I was involved early on with the Spanish Center of Milwaukee. I felt that the services offered by that organization directly impacted the lives of Spanish-speaking people. When my partner, David, introduced me to the LGBT Community Center many years ago, I started feeling the exact same way.
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There are people in this city that need energy assistance, domestic violence protection, people that have been fired for their orientation or the way they look. The Community Center is a place where anybody can reach out and get almost immediate help for their needs, versus a political or legislative organization that has a fairly slow impact.
What is Project Q and how is the program benefitting LGBT youth in Milwaukee?
One of the reasons Project Q was developed was because of the difficulty that a lot of LGBTQ individuals have coming out to their parents or friends. We felt like they needed a safe place. We have program directors and coordinators that work directly with the youth, whether it is academic assistance, career planning, social skills development or help understanding their orientation. It’s a warm, inviting and secure environment for a young person who doesn’t quite know where to go and doesn’t quite know where to fit in.
Where do you see the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center in 10 years? Where do you see Project Q?
I would very much like to see the center continue with the current programs that it has. I would love to see the center expand Project Q to include a lot more youth from different parts of the city and county, rather than one location where it may be difficult for young adults to come to our center. As politics and laws change and things get better for younger LGBT people, there is always going to be a kickback from society. We need to make sure that we protect them and they understand what their rights are and how they can protect themselves.
If you could say one thing to a struggling LGBT Milwaukeean, what would that be?
Never give in, never give up and always realize that there is help available.
