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Written by Michael Lisowski and Paul Masterson
Oct 7, 2011
Bea Green. – Photo: Courtesy
Longtime community activist Bea Green died Sept. 24 at West Allis Memorial Hospital. During the last three months, she endured complications from a leg injury she suffered nearly three decades ago. Early in August, while recuperating at Columbia Saint Mary’s Hospital, she suffered a severe stroke.
Although seemingly recovering well after her transfer to West Allis, Ms. Green died suddenly during the night.
Born Aug. 5, 1942, Ms. Green grew up in New York City. She studied in Boston and later at New York University, where she received a doctorate in history with a focus on ancient Rome and early literature.
Ms. Green participated in archeological digs in Turkey and Greece. She learned the field was inundated with many competitors for few jobs, so she returned to school and earned a second doctorate in social psychology.
Ms. Green met her life partner Elizabeth Hitz in New York City, where both served as board members of a women’s organization. They moved to Nashotah in the mid-1980s and remained together for 35 years.
Ms. Green worked for the Wisconsin State AIDS/HIV Program, taking great pride in her contribution to the early fight against the disease. She helped redirect funding dedicated for heterosexuals to gay men. She also lectured on Roman history at local colleges and universities.
In 1999, Ms. Green returned to New York, where she worked for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis as a prevention program assistant director and as a health consultant until 2006.
Ms. Green and her partner returned to Milwaukee, and she concentrated her efforts on local LGBT causes. She served on the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center’s board of directors and developed a senior-focused LGBT website. Over the years she was a member of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, SAGE and LAMM. She often sponsored a table at ARCW’s Make a Promise Dinner.
Ms. Green was also a member of Saint Simon’s Episcopalian Church in Port Washington.
Although known to be a stubborn, challenging, and often contentious advocate, she was passionate about the underdog, whether LGBT people, youth, seniors, women or those with HIV. She demanded and expected much of our leadership and she articulated her frustration with a certain candor that left no doubt about her opinions.
She was a dear friend to those who met her through the various organizations with which she was affiliated. Ms. Green was one of the most giving persons in the community. Her generosity, honesty and compassion as an activist will always be remembered. Her devoted commitment to LGBT causes will be sorely missed and impossible to replace.
Ms. Green is survived by her loving partner and best friend Lisi, an extended family of friends and her favorite feline companions, Charlie and Sammy.
According to Ms. Green’s wishes, her remains will be cremated and her ashes spread over Bear Mountain in Westchester County, New York.
Private services will be held. Memorials in her name may be made to the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, 703 South 2nd Street, Milwaukee, 53204.
