Capacity crowds are turning out for the Brewcity Bruisers roller derby. – Photo: Bruce Berna

BC Bruisers hit the rink for new season

“Boom. Boom. Pow!” No, this isn’t the hit Black Eyed Peas song or Adam West throwing punches in the “Batman” TV series. These are the sounds of Milwaukee’s Brewcity Bruisers taking command of the roller derby rink.

The Bruisers launched into its fourth season Jan. 16 amid a…

Brian Thompson, UWM Chancellor Biddy Martin, J. James Tye III, Marty Fox and D.J. Johnson – Photo: Marc Korobkin

‘OPEN’ for business
Madison group for LGBT professionals grows

Out professionals in Madison now have an in. The establishment of the Out Professional and Executive Network offers the infrastructure and visibility for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied professionals to make connections and build support on the work front that many once had to…

The Capitol Building – Photo: Devery Cash

Mad about Madison

Where is the gay neighborhood in Madison? It’s a question that Keller Williams real estate agent Devery Cash is used to hearing — and one that he’s grown used to answering.

“It just doesn’t exist,” Cash says. “There is one neighborhood outside of town, the Jennifer Street…

Gotta dance

The Cream City Squares, Milwaukee’s square dance club, will offer lessons beginning Feb. 14 at Lake Park Lutheran Church, corner of Park and Stowell.

The club will host a drop-in at the church at 1 p.m. Jan. 31. For more information, call 414-461-5359 or go to Read more...  

Graphic: Jason Smith

Making Valentine’s Day our own

From the jewelry counter to the Hallmark shop, same-sex couples are surrounded by idealized images of heterosexual love. But people like them are almost invisible — or, when they’re not invisible, often controversial.

Despite this unwelcoming environment, the love that once dared not speak its name is thriving. Just ask the same-sex Wisconsin couples WiG spoke with about Valentine’s Day:

Maria & Jennifer Cadenas

As executive director of Cream City Foundation, Maria Cadenas promotes the visibility of same-sex couples by coordinating the “Gay Neighbor” campaign, which features pictures of same-sex couples and their families on billboards and public transit. Cadenas’ life reflects that of the couples on the billboards — she has a spouse and a child.

This Valentine’s Day, Maria and Jennifer Cadenas, who had a civil union ceremony in 2003, will have 13-month-old Alejandra in tow if they go out to celebrate their relationship. But, “We might just buy a cake and stay home,” Maria says, noting the perils of dining out with an infant.

Although Alejandra is a new addition to their relationship, the Cadenases will continue practicing a personal tradition they’ve observed since their first Valentine’s Day together: They will create handmade cards for each other.

“Mine tend to be very short,” Maria says. “She puts glitter on hers and uses colorful markers.”

In addition to Jennifer, Cadenas remembers her friends on Valentine’s Day. “In Mexico, Valentine’s Day is also Friendship Day — “El Dia de Amor y Amistad” — and it’s a chance to call your friends and say how much they mean to you as well,” Cadenas says.