ARTIST & ACTIVIST: GILBERT BAKER

In 1978, With increasing interest in the gay liberation movement, and at the request of Harvey Milk, Gilbert Baker began designing a symbol for the gay liberation movement. He wanted it to be beautiful and unique and to symbolize the unified and vigorous LGBTQ community. The first pride flag was comprised of eight colorful stripes… Continue reading ARTIST & ACTIVIST: GILBERT BAKER

Transgender Pioneer: Lili Elbe

Lili Ilse Elvenes, better known as Lili Elbe, was a transgender woman and a successful Danish painter in the early 1900s. She was one of the first recipients of gender-affirming surgery and underwent five highly experimental surgeries in the 1930s. In 1931 she received the first known uterus transplant, hoping to start a family, but died… Continue reading Transgender Pioneer: Lili Elbe

SCREEN AND TELEVISION ACTOR: ROCK HUDSON

Rock Hudson, originally named Roy Harold Scherer, Jr., was a highly accomplished film and television actor. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayals of romantic leading men during the 1950s and 1960s, especially in the many romantic comedies he starred in alongside his famous co-star, Doris Day. Although he hid his sexual orientation, it was… Continue reading SCREEN AND TELEVISION ACTOR: ROCK HUDSON

COUNTERCULTURAL DRAG PERFORMER & ACTOR: DIVINE

The late Divine, originally named Harris Glenn Milstead, was a resident of Baltimore who gained global fame as an unconventional and entertaining drag performer. Milstead and his friend, the avant-garde filmmaker John Waters, collaborated on several low-budget and controversial films in the early 1970s. Divine’s success extended beyond the big screen, with chart-topping hits such… Continue reading COUNTERCULTURAL DRAG PERFORMER & ACTOR: DIVINE

SINGER SONGWRITER: FREDDIE MERCURY

Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara, was a renowned British singer and songwriter. He gained global recognition as the lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen. Considered one of the best singers in the history of rock music, he was famous for his extravagant stage presence and four-octave vocal range. Mercury challenged the typical… Continue reading SINGER SONGWRITER: FREDDIE MERCURY

GENDER-BENDING PERFORMER: GLADYS BENTLEY

The Great Migration brought about a flourishing of African American culture in urban areas, with Harlem emerging as a hub for artistic expression through music, poetry, and literature.  The 1920s marked a significant period in US history, with the Prohibition Era leading to a proliferation of speakeasies, bootleg alcohol, illegal gambling, and gang violence. During… Continue reading GENDER-BENDING PERFORMER: GLADYS BENTLEY

A TRANSGENDER ICON: MARSHA P. JOHNSON

Marsha P. Johnson, today recognized as an icon in the transgender community, led a marginal, often difficult life encompassing both good and often desperate times. Throughout Greenwich Village, she was known as “Saint Marsha.” Friends admired her ability to be herself and her larger-than-life persona. Marsha had an intrusive nature and a reputation for being… Continue reading A TRANSGENDER ICON: MARSHA P. JOHNSON

Great Dane goes global: New brewery to open in Japan next year

Co-founder, other partners finalize plan to launch overseas Some breweries expand to neighboring cities. The Great Dane goes to Japan. After several years of planning, Great Dane Brewing will open as a production brewery and tasting room in Akiu Onsen, Sendai, about two hours north of Tokyo. The brewery, operating separately from Great Dane Pub… Continue reading Great Dane goes global: New brewery to open in Japan next year

Beer Release Calendar

BEER FOR A YEAR: 2022 RELEASE CALENDAR A Belgian Tripel. Our award-winning Oktoberfest. Velvet Hammer. All are coming to Wisconsin retailers this year. Take a peek through our 2022 Release Calendar to see what’s dropping when. Of course, we may throw in a few surprises throughout the year, but this should wet your whistle in… Continue reading Beer Release Calendar