LGBT+ Friendly Destinations in Madison, Wisconsin, United States
1. Campus Pride Index (CPI)
A national benchmarking tool that evaluates LGBTQ+ inclusivity on college campuses. Madison area colleges excel in this area, making it a welcoming destination for queer students.
- Queer Student Support: Highly trained student leaders and staff providing support for LGBTQ+ students
- Safe Space Programs: Designated spaces where everyone feels safe to discuss LGBTQ+ issues
- Educational Opportunities: Workshops, conferences, and coursework dedicated to LGBTQ+ topics
2. Wisconsin's OutReach LGBT Community Center
A community center providing resources, support groups, and events for the LGBTQ+ community in Madison.
- Community Connections: Connecting individuals with local LGBTQ+ organizations and resources
- Educational Workshops: Providing educational workshops on topics such as mental health, relationships, and activism.
- Social Events: Organizing social events like movie nights, game nights, and pride parades
3. Madison's Out! Community Center
A social and educational organization that offers programs, resources, and support to the LGBTQ+ community in Madison.
- Youth Support Groups: Safe spaces for young LGBTQ+ individuals to discuss their experiences
- Educational Opportunities: Workshops and discussion groups on various topics related to LGBTQ+ life
- Community Events: Organizing events like PrideFest, Drag Queen Story Hour, and Queer Film Festival
4. The Stonewall Inn
A gay bar in the heart of Madison that offers a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Safe Space: Providing a safe and inclusive environment for all patrons
- Diverse Entertainment: Featuring drag shows, DJs, karaoke nights, and other events
- Community Connections: Serving as a hub for the LGBTQ+ community to connect and socialize
5. Babcock Theatre
A performing arts venue that regularly hosts LGBTQ+-themed productions, such as plays and musicals.
- LGBTQ+ Representation: Promoting LGBTQ+ stories through the arts
- Community Connections: Bringing together individuals who are passionate about the arts and LGBTQ+ issues
- Educational Opportunities: Offering workshops, discussions, and Q&A sessions with cast members after performances
6. Overture Center for the Arts
A vibrant arts center that showcases diverse programming, including LGBTQ+-themed events.
- Diverse Entertainment: Providing a platform for various artistic expressions
- Community Connections: Serving as a gathering place for arts enthusiasts and the LGBTQ+ community
- Educational Opportunities: Offering workshops, discussions, and Q&A sessions with artists and performers
7. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA)
An art museum featuring a variety of exhibitions, including LGBTQ+-themed artwork.
- LGBTQ+ Representation: Highlighting the artistic contributions of LGBTQ+ artists
- Community Connections: Providing opportunities for dialogue and discussion around art and LGBTQ+ issues
- Educational Opportunities: Offering lectures, workshops, and gallery tours related to the exhibitions on display
8. Madison's Forward Theater
A professional theater company that regularly produces plays with LGBTQ+ themes.
- LGBTQ+ Representation: Bringing to life stories that reflect the LGBTQ+ experience
- Community Connections: Engaging audiences in thoughtful discussions about LGBTQ+ issues and experiences
- Educational Opportunities: Providing workshops, talkbacks, and other educational events to deepen understanding of LGBTQ+ topics
9. Madison Public Library
A system of libraries offering resources on LGBTQ+ topics and hosting LGBTQ+-themed events.
- Knowledge Access: Offering books, films, and other media on LGBTQ+ topics
- Community Connections: Providing spaces for individuals to explore their identities and connect with others
- Educational Opportunities: Hosting workshops, discussions, and events related to LGBTQ+ topics
10. Capital Pride
A local organization that organizes Madison's annual PrideFest and other LGBTQ+-themed events throughout the year.
- Community Celebration: Bringing together the LGBTQ+ community for a day of pride, celebration, and unity
- Awareness Raising: Promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, rights, and issues within the larger community
- Networking Opportunities: Connecting individuals with local LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses, and resources
11. Madison's PrideFest Parade
A large, annual pride parade celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Madison.
- Community Celebration: Bringing together the LGBTQ+ community for a day of pride, celebration, and unity
- Awareness Raising: Promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, rights, and issues within the larger community
- Networking Opportunities: Connecting individuals with local LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses, and resources
12. Madison Area Technical College's (MATC) LGBTQ+ Resource Center
A resource center providing support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ students at MATC.
- Student Support: Providing resources and support for LGBTQ+ students
- Safe Space: Creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all students
- Educational Opportunities: Offering workshops, discussions, and resources on LGBTQ+ topics
13. Madison School District's LGBTQ+ Resource Center
A resource center providing support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ students in the Madison School District.
- Student Support: Providing resources and support for LGBTQ+ students
- Safe Space: Creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all students
- Educational Opportunities: Offering workshops, discussions, and resources on LGBTQ+ topics
14. Madison's OutReach Youth Center
A youth center providing support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth in Madison.
- Youth Support: Providing resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth
- Safe Space: Creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all youth
- Educational Opportunities: Offering workshops, discussions, and resources on LGBTQ+ topics
15. UW-Madison's LGBT Campus Center
A campus center providing support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ students at UW-Madison.
- Student Support: Providing resources and support for LGBTQ+ students
- Safe Space: Creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all students
- Educational Opportunities: Offering workshops, discussions, and resources on LGBTQ+ topics