Human Rights League for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgendered Records, 1991-1999
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Summary Information
Title: Human Rights League for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgendered Records
Inclusive Dates: 1991-1999

Creator:
  • Human Rights League for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgendered
Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 210

Quantity:
  • 1 cubic ft. (3 boxes)
  • 717 digital files (18.4 GB)

Repository:
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives Department

Archival Location:
UW-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives / Milwaukee Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Abstract:
Formed in 1993, the Human Rights League (HRL) strove "to advance the political interests of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgendered in the metropolitan Milwaukee area by influencing local, state, and national politics, legislation, and public policy." HRL carried out its work through four standing committees: Public Information, Membership and Funding, National Coming Out Day, and Legislative and Public Policy. HRL surveyed electoral candidates for their positions on LGBT issues; recommended and endorsed candidates for local, state, and national elections; held annual receptions at which members of the LGBT community met with public officials; and distributed political information. In 1997, HRL formed a political action committee to raise and distribute funds in support of pro-LGBT candidates. HRL worked with the Milwaukee Police Department to train police recruits on LGBT issues. It also held two annual award programs--the Cream City Brick Awards and the National Coming Out Day Awards--that recognized the contributions of LGBT and pro-LGBT individuals, businesses, and organizations to the community.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0210
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Biography/History

The Human Rights League (HRL) strove "to advance the political interests of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgendered in the metropolitan Milwaukee area by influencing local, state, and national politics, legislation, and public policy." Although bisexuals were always included in HRL's mission statement from 1993, they were not represented in the name of the organization until 1998. At this time, transgender individuals were included in the mission statement and organization name for the first time.

HRL surveyed electoral candidates for their positions on LGBT issues; recommended and endorsed candidates for local, state, and national elections; held annual receptions at which members of the LGBT community met with public officials; and distributed political information. In 1997, HRL formed a political action committee to raise and distribute funds in support of pro-LGBT candidates. HRL worked with the Milwaukee Police Department to train police recruits on LGBT issues. It also held two annual award programs--the Cream City Brick Awards and the National Coming Out Day Awards--that recognized the contributions of LGBT and pro-LGBT individuals, businesses, and organizations to the community.

The Awards Committee solicited nominations and selected award winners. In 1994, HRL resumed the annual Cream City Brick Awards, which the Cream City Business Association had presented from 1984 to 1988, and which the Lambda Rights Network had continued from 1990 to 1992. HRL presented the Cream City Brick Awards at its annual meeting in February. In 1995, the committee began presenting National Coming Out Day Awards to recognize the efforts of individuals, organizations, and businesses that promoted and reflected a positive LGBT image through community participation. HRL presented these awards during National Coming Out Day activities in November.

The Legislative and Public Policy Committee (LPPC) promoted public policy that advanced human rights for gays and lesbians. The committee monitored public policy issues, recommended candidates for support and endorsement, lobbied, and networked with like-minded organizations.

The committee had several subcommittees, including the Election Committee, the Police Sensitivity Training Committee, and the Public Officials Reception Committee. The work of the Election Committee seems to have been carried out largely through the Community Election Coalition, a separate organization (described below). The Police Sensitivity Training Committee developed a cultural sensitivity and diversity training program for new recruits with the Milwaukee Police Department. This committee worked with the police department's Community Oriented Policing (COP) Advisory Committee, formerly the Committee Oriented Policing (COP) Coalition. The Public Officials Reception Committee held an annual reception for representatives of LGBT membership organizations to meet with elected and appointed public officials. Although technically a subcommittee of LPPC, the Public Officials Reception Committee consisted of individuals from many other LGBT organizations (e.g., Lesbian Alliance of Metropolitan Milwaukee, SAGE, Action Wisconsin, etc.). Prominent public officials who attended receptions include former Mayor John O. Norquist, former County Executive Thomas Ament, and former Police Chief Phillip Arreola.

The Membership and Fundraising Committee was responsible for maintaining and enhancing HRL membership, and for generating funds through grant-writing, mailings, etc.

The National Coming Out Day Committee coordinated, promoted, and implemented National Coming Out Day activities from 1994 until HRL dissolved in 1999.

The Political Action Committee (PAC) was formed in 1997 to increase pro-LGBT representation in local and statewide levels of Wisconsin politics. The need for a PAC became apparent when the LPPC, working with the Community Election Coalition, attempted to organize a forum for State Assembly candidates in the 8th district, and none of the candidates would participate. The PAC survived the dissolution of HRL in 1999 and continues to exist as the HRL-PAC today.

The Public Information Committee was responsible for monitoring and responding to media issues and inquiries, drafting position statements, and creating HRL's newsletter and brochures.

During its existence, HRL collaborated with many local LGBT groups around key issues. The Community Election Coalition (1996) was an alliance of Milwaukee-area political organizations--ACT UP Milwaukee, Action Wisconsin, HRL, Lesbian Alliance of Metropolitan Milwaukee (LAMM), Log Cabin Republicans, People of All Colors Together, Riverwest Rainbow Association, and Sherman Park Rainbow Association--formed to gather and distribute information about candidates and election issues. The Domestic Partnership Task Force (1997) consisted of HRL, LAMM, and the Riverwest Rainbow Association. It sought to establish a city registry for domestic partnerships, win domestic partnership benefits for city of Milwaukee employees, and network employees in the private sector to advocate changes in their own workplaces.

Scope and Content Note

The activities of the Human Rights League (HRL) are best documented in the board of directors' meeting minutes, and the files of HRL's various committees.

The Awards Committee files contain information relating to the Cream City Brick Awards and the National Coming Out Day Awards programs. Typical documentation includes committee minutes, letters of nomination, and award ceremony programs. The letters of nomination often include useful information about a nominee's history and accomplishments.

The Legislative and Public Policy Committee (LPPC) files contain information relating to HRL's political activities. Files include committee minutes, candidate surveys, and information about public forums. The activities of two important LPPC subcommittees is fairly well represented in the collection. Following the revelation of Jeffrey Dahmer's serial killings of gay men and Milwaukee police insensitivity to gay/lesbian issues, Mayor John Norquist created a Citizen Commission on Police-Community Relations in 1991 to review police department polices and procedures. In response to the commission findings, the police department established a Community Oriented Policing (COP) Coalition, later known as the Community Oriented Policing (COP) Advisory Committee. The LPPC's Police Sensitivity Training Committee worked with the COP Advisory Committee to develop a cultural sensitivity training program for new recruits. Hundreds of police recruits participated in this program. Committee files include a training manual on gay and lesbian issues, various information on hate crimes, and meeting minutes. The Public Officials Reception Committee held an annual reception for representatives of LGBT membership organizations to meet with elected and appointed public officials. Information about this committee is contained in a single folder. Detailed information about the receptions themselves is contained in the National Coming Out Day programs.

Information about the Membership and Fundraising Committee is largely found in the Board of Directors' files under Membership Reports and Treasurer's Reports.

National Coming Out Day (NCOD) Committee files contain information about NCOD event planning and activities. (National Coming Out was started in 1988 to celebrate the first anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington. It has been celebrated annually on October 11th ever since with events held in cities throughout the country.) Typically, Milwaukee NCOD events included a reception for friends, families, and allies; a separate reception for public officials; the annual membership meeting; and the NCOD Awards program. The files contain no information about the first annual NCOD events in Milwaukee, 1994.

The collection unevenly documents HRL's collaboration with other Milwaukee LGBT organizations on key issues. Files relating to the Community Election Coalition, an alliance of organizations that surveyed electoral candidates on gay and lesbian issues, are fairly complete and contain important background information about the formation of HRL's political action committee in 1997. Information about the Domestic Partnership Task Force, which sought to establish a city registry for domestic partnerships and secure domestic partnership benefits for city of Milwaukee employees, is contained in a single folder and found in HRL newsletters.

Preferred Citation

Citation Guide for Primary Sources

Related Material in the UWM Libraries
Administrative/Restriction Information
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law.


Use Restrictions

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).


Acquisition Information

Scott Gunkel donated this collection in two separate gifts in February and June 2004 (accessions 2003-062 and 2003-098).


Processing Information

Michael Doylen processed the collection at the Archives in summer 2004.


Contents List
Anti-Gay/Lesbian Violence in 1994 (Report), 1995
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder01\
Digital
Physical Description: 49 digital files (1.33 GB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   1
Physical
Articles of Incorporation, 1999
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder02\
Digital
Physical Description: 3 digital files (81.7 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   2
Physical
Awards Committee
1994 Award Nominations, 1994
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder03\
Digital
Physical Description: 6 digital files (164 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   3
Physical
1994 Awards, 1995
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder04\
Digital
Physical Description: 7 digital files (194 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   4
Physical
1995 Award Nominations, 1996
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder05\
Digital
Physical Description: 14 digital files (390 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   5
Physical
1996 Award Nominations, 1997
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder06\
Digital
Physical Description: 16 digital files (447 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   6
Physical
1996 Awards, 1997
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder07\
Digital
Physical Description: 12 digital files (335 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   7
Physical
1997 Award Nominations, 1998
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder08\
Digital
Physical Description: 6 digital files (167 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   8
Physical
1997 Awards, 1998
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder09\
Digital
Physical Description: 11 digital files (292 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   9
Physical
National Coming Out Day Awards, 1995
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder10\
Digital
Physical Description: 7 digital files (194 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   10
Physical
National Coming Out Day Awards, 1997
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder11\
Digital
Physical Description: 3 digital files (83.3 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   11
Physical
Baldwin, Tammy, for Congress, undated
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder12\
Digital
Physical Description: 4 digital files (90.6 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   12
Physical
Board of Directors
Agendas and Minutes, 1994
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder13\
Digital
Physical Description: 27 digital files (750 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   13
Physical
Agendas and Minutes, 1995
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder14\
Digital
Physical Description: 40 digital files (1.08 GB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   14
Physical
Agendas and Minutes, 1996
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder15\
Digital
Physical Description: 66 digital files (1.78 GB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   15
Physical
Agendas and Minutes, 1997
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder16\
Digital
Physical Description: 18 digital files (500 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   16
Physical
Agendas and Minutes, 1998
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder17\
Digital
Physical Description: 10 digital files (278 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   17
Physical
Agendas and Minutes, 1999
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder18\
Digital
Physical Description: 15 digital files (420 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   18
Physical
Membership Reports, 1994-1999
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder19\
Digital
Physical Description: 7 digital files (196 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   19
Physical
Miscellaneous, 1987-1994, undated
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder20\
Digital
Physical Description: 8 digital files (224 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   20
Physical
Rosters, 1995-1998, undated
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder21\
Digital
Physical Description: 4 digital files (112 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   21
Physical
Treasurer's Reports, 1994-1998
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder22\
Digital
Physical Description: 12 digital files (336 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   22
Physical
Brochures and Handouts, undated
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder23\
Digital
Physical Description: 10 digital files (277 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   23
Physical
Bylaws, 1993, 1998
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder24\
Digital
Physical Description: 45 digital files (1.26 GB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   24
Physical
Chicago Anti-Violence Project, 1994, undated
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder25\
Digital
Physical Description: 3 digital files (106 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   25
Physical
Chief of Police Arthur Jones, 1st Year Performance, undated
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder26\
Digital
Physical Description: 15 digital files (407 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   26
Physical
Colorado Amendment 2, 1992
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder27\
Digital
Physical Description: 71 digital files (2.13 GB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   27
Physical
Committee Charges, 1994-1995, undated
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder28\
Digital
Physical Description: 8 digital files (217 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   28
Physical
Community Election Coalition
Meetings, 1996-1997
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder29\
Digital
Physical Description: 25 digital files (217 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   29
Physical
State Assembly 8th District Forum, 1996
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder30\
Digital
Physical Description: 7 digital files (189 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   30
Physical
Surveys, Common Council, 1996
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder31\
Digital
Physical Description: 43 digital files (1.13 GB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   31
Physical
Surveys, County Supervisor, 1996
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder32\
Digital
Physical Description: 16 digital files (426 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   32
Physical
Surveys, State Legislator, 1996
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder33\
Digital
Physical Description: 15 digital files (406 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   33
Physical
Surveys, Various, 1996
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder34\
Digital
Physical Description: 4 digital files (106 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   34
Physical
Time Line and Reports, 1996
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder35\
Digital
Physical Description: 31 digital files (736 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   35
Physical
COP (Community Oriented Policing) Advisory Committee, 1995-1997
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder36\
Digital
Physical Description: 10 digital files (259 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   36
Physical
COP (Community Oriented Policing) Coalition
Education and Outreach Committee, 1991-1992
Electronic Folder  
  \Box01\
  Folder37\
Digital
Physical Description: 32 digital files (826 MB) 
Scope and Content Note: Digitized sample of folder
Box   1
Folder   37
Physical
Box   2
Folder   1
General, 1991
Box   2
Folder   2
Minutes, 1992-1994
Box   2
Folder   3
Neighborhood Network Center, undated
Box   2
Folder   4
Police Foundation Report, 1993
Box   2
Folder   5
Program Subcommittee, 1992
Box   2
Folder   6
Correspondence, 1994-1997
Box   2
Folder   7
Cream City Foundation Grant Application, 1994
Box   2
Folder   8
Creating Change Conference, 1995
Box   2
Folder   9
Day of Action (Mock Marriages), undated
Box   2
Folder   10
Domestic Partnership Task Force, 1997
Box   2
Folder   11
FBI Survey, 1999
Box   2
Folder   12
Feingold, Russ, for Senate, 1998
Box   2
Folder   13
Hate Crime Statistics (U.S. Department of Justice Publication), 1992
Legislative and Public Policy Committee
Box   2
Folder   14
Budget, 1996
Box   2
Folder   15
Candidate Surveys, 1994
Box   2
Folder   16
Candidate Surveys, 1995
Box   2
Folder   17
Forums, 1995, undated
Box   2
Folder   18
Letters to Officials, 1995-1996, undated
Box   2
Folder   19
Minutes, 1993-1996
Box   2
Folder   20
Mission, 1994
Box   2
Folder   21
Planning, 1995
Box   2
Folder   22
Roster, 1996
Box   2
Folder   23
Volunteer Handbook, 1996
Box   2
Folder   24
Membership Meetings, Agendas and Minutes, 1994-1998, undated
Box   2
Folder   25
Miller Brewing Company Boycott, 1995
Box   2
Folder   26
National Coming Out Day, 1995
Box   2
Folder   27
National Coming Out Day, 1996
Box   2
Folder   28
National Coming Out Day, 1997
Box   2
Folder   29
National Coming Out Day, 1998
NGLTF (National Gay and Lesbian Task Force)
Box   2
Folder   30
Anti-Gay/Lesbian Violence Information, 1994
Box   2
Folder   31
Hate Crimes Reports, 1992
Police Sensitivity Training Committee
Box   2
Folder   32
Hate Crimes Material, 1992-1994, undated
Box   2
Folder   33
Manual, 1998
Box   3
Folder   1
Meeting with Chief of Police Arthur Jones, 1996
Box   3
Folder   2
Meetings, 1994-1997
Box   3
Folder   3
Presentations Evaluations, 1995-1998
Box   3
Folder   4
Policing Milwaukee in the Nineties (Milwaukee Police Department Report), 1991
Box   3
Folder   5
Political Action Committee, 1997
Public Information Committee
Box   3
Folder   6
Minutes, 1995-1996
Box   3
Folder   7
Newsletters, 1994-1998
Box   3
Folder   8
Position Papers, 1994-1995
Box   3
Folder   9
Press Releases, 1995-1996
Box   3
Folder   10
Press Releases, 1997
Box   3
Folder   11
Public Officials Reception Committee, 1994-1997
Box   3
Folder   12
Stationary (Blank), undated