Fair Wisconsin Inc

Fair Wisconsin Inc, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit civil rights organization, is dedicated to advancing and protecting the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals in Wisconsin. Founded in 1994, it has evolved through mergers and name changes, becoming one of the state's most prominent organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ equality.

Purpose and Mission

The mission of Fair Wisconsin Inc is to build a fair, safe, and inclusive society for all LGBTQ+ individuals by advancing their civil rights through lobbying, legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing, and electoral involvement. This includes efforts to educate the public, influence media narratives, and inform policy makers on LGBTQ+ issues.

History

Originally established as LGBT Center Advocates, the organization was later renamed Equality Wisconsin in 2009. In 2013, Equality Wisconsin merged with Fair Wisconsin, forming the current entity. During its early years, Fair Wisconsin played a pivotal role in organizing against a 2006 constitutional ban on same-sex marriages and civil unions. Although the amendment passed, the campaign laid the groundwork for future advocacy efforts.

Key Initiatives

Fair Wisconsin focuses on several critical initiatives:

• Ending LGBTQ+ Discrimination: Advocating for the inclusion of gender identity and expression in statewide nondiscrimination laws.
• Modernizing HIV Laws: Efforts to decriminalize HIV and modernize existing laws that criminalize HIV-positive individuals for practices that are legal for HIV-negative people.
• Banning Conversion Therapy: Supporting legislative efforts to prohibit conversion therapy, building on Governor Tony Evers' 2021 executive order restricting state and federal funding for such practices.

Structure

Fair Wisconsin Inc operates alongside two affiliated entities:

• Fair Wisconsin Education Fund (501c3): Focuses on educational initiatives related to LGBTQ+ issues.
• Fair Wisconsin Political Action Committee (PAC): Supports pro-LGBTQ+ candidates at the state and local levels.

Financial Overview

Fair Wisconsin Inc relies primarily on contributions for its operations. In recent years, contributions have constituted the majority of its revenue, with minimal program services revenue.

Notable Partnerships

Fair Wisconsin is a member of the Equality Federation and Community Shares of Wisconsin, underscoring its commitment to community involvement and state-based advocacy. Its collaborative approach with progressive allies and LGBTQ+ partner organizations has been instrumental in its success.

Leadership

As of 2024, Fair Wisconsin Inc is led by Executive Director Abigail Swetz, following the departure of Megin McDonell. The organization continues to play a significant role in Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ advocacy landscape, shaping public policy debates and mobilizing grassroots support.