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Written by Carmen Alicia Murguia
Aug 12, 2011
Milwaukee-based Charles Daniels is finally taking the “me” time he deserves following a 19-year career educating, testing, informing and helping the black LGBT community about HIV and AIDS.
Charles “D” is the genius and visionary founder of Charles “D” Productions, Inc., and the Health Institute of Milwaukee. He’s also the creative brain behind the Mr. & Mrs. Mystique National Pageants. It was through his nationally recognized pageants, annual back-to-school giveaways and picnics, “The Queer Program,” numerous barbecues, events at Emerald’s Bar and other special events that he fought HIV/AIDS in our community in creative ways.
Charles “D” was the first openly gay brother in Milwaukee, the most segregated city in the nation, to discover a way to combine pageantry, artistry and community around the HIV/AIDS epidemic. That was before the numbers of infections rose to the level they are today among black transgender and gay men who have sex with men – both out and on the down low.
As a result, Charles “D” and Lady Monica have developed a following of supporters across the city and the United States who recognize his gift of entertainment combined with his command of information about HIV/AIDS. They recognize his aggressive efforts to get this community tested and cared for in the ’90s through the new millennium. Just ask people like state Rep. Elizabeth Coggs and his dear friend Big Mike and the reigning Miss Alexis from St. Louis.
About a year and a half ago Charles became too physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually exhausted with all the things he was doing to help the community without a good support system and safety net. He was literally a one-man operation. And even though he was tired, he wanted to do just one more thing for the community: the Black & Latino Gay Pride. Although the event did not go the way Charles “D” desired, it solidified for him the need to take a break.
So as Charles “D” goes on a well-deserved hiatus from the city of Milwaukee and its LGBT community, we are left with the void that this legendary event host and advocate in the fight against HIV/AIDS leaves. But most of all, we are left with good memories.
Thank you, Charles “D” for the impact you have made these past 19 years!
