Most LGBT populated, gay friendly neighborhood/areas?

[rocky1725]

I am thinking about moving to the Milwaukee area from Long Island, NY for personal reasons. I am an openly gay man, not in a committed relationship, who loves the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers and who needs his fix of cultural events as I am surrounded by many choices here on LI and of course in NYC. I was born and raised in WI but left it 37 years ago. Though I have returned often, I am struggling with whether to return or not.
I would appreciate unbiased, non-judging, or over the top advice either way.
Any help would be appreciated.

[Empidonax]

Originally Posted by rocky1725

I am thinking about moving to the Milwaukee area from Long Island, NY for personal reasons. I am an openly gay man, not in a committed relationship, who loves the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers and who needs his fix of cultural events as I am surrounded by many choices here on LI and of course in NYC. I was born and raised in WI but left it 37 years ago. Though I have returned often, I am struggling with whether to return or not.
I would appreciate unbiased, non-judging, or over the top advice either way.
Any help would be appreciated.

Do you have a job possibly lined up? Or are you in an industry that is in some demand in Milwaukee? Or perhaps you're retired?

Milwaukee is a very good place for gays, but it really depends on what you like to do and what your life in general is like. There are many gays here who participate in some way in the LGBT community--they go to a bar occasionally or a lot; they join LGBT social groups; they volunteer at the LGBT center; and so on. Many gays have very little or nothing to do with the "official" LGBT community: they may have their own circle of friends; their workplace provides most of their social interaction; they don't identify primarily as LGBT, so may live in an area where other aspects of their identity and interest are more indulged.

Having said this, you may want to consider where you fit into all of this. All sorts of options exist. The LGBT community is reasonably active and diverse, and there are quite a few groups and events to participate in, but some things are more abundant than others. If you play cards or enjoy bowling, you can find lots of LGBT outlets. If you like films, books, and such, there's a bit of that, too, but not as much. There are many educated, white-collar professionals here, including many LGBT, but the LGBT community events and groups skew blue collar.

On a larger scale, there are many cultural venues in Milwaukee--museums, theater, and such. But theater tends to be more middlebrow than highbrow, there aren't many bookstores left. Sports are big, though.

I've been in Milwaukee for over 15 years and have found the LGBT community to be a bit cliquish. Most folks are from the area and already have their friends established from years ago, even from high school and college. If you're not very outgoing and socially aggressive, you may find it a bit tough to reach into some areas of the community. But you said that you're from Wisconsin, so perhaps you already know some people?

Ultimately, the key (from my perspective) is to get involved: join a couple of groups, do some volunteering, force yourself to meet people. If you like the arts, consider volunteering as an usher or a docent. Just meet people in general--gay or straight or whatever--and you'll eventually build a group of friends. Alternatively, you can try to meet people online, especially if you don't live/work in one of the "core" LGBT areas such as the East Side, Bay View, Shorewood, etc.

If you have more specific questions, just ask them.

[adr3naline]

Originally Posted by rocky1725

I am thinking about moving to the Milwaukee area from Long Island, NY for personal reasons. I am an openly gay man, not in a committed relationship, who loves the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers and who needs his fix of cultural events as I am surrounded by many choices here on LI and of course in NYC. I was born and raised in WI but left it 37 years ago. Though I have returned often, I am struggling with whether to return or not.
I would appreciate unbiased, non-judging, or over the top advice either way.
Any help would be appreciated.

Are you worried about acceptance? If so, don't be. Having lived in MKE for 10 years (only recently moving) I have many LGBT friends in the area. Not once have I heard them speak poorly of the city in this respect. As you're aware, anti-LGBT people are everywhere regardless of the city's politics, so you're bound to run into a conflict at some point. Although I wouldn't worry about it more in MKE than I would anywhere else. Including my current city known for it's acceptance (LA).

[Francois]

Lots of info on the Milwaukee LGBT Center page--or give them a call about what areas might fit your specific demographic.

[Tominftl]

Not everybody wants to live in a ghetto. I couldn't live in an area just because the majority was of a certain religion or sexual persuasion. Good people are everywhere. Get out of the house, walk the dog and meet somebody. It doesn't cost you anything to be friendly. Say Hi to someone and see. If they don't say Hi you really haven't lost anything right?