From my first taste of fried cheese curds, I was hooked–on both the dairy treat and Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison is a welcoming, rainbow-hued beacon in the American Midwest. This is the town that nurtured Tammy Baldwin, the first openly LGBTQ+ U.S. senator; and has twice elected Satya Rhodes-Conway, the city’s first openly queer mayor.
In Madison, Pride is a multi-month event. The city hosts celebrations all throughout June and flies the Progress Pride Flag over the Wisconsin State Capitol, yet saves their OutReach Magic Pride Festival for August.
The rare confluence of college town and capital city, Madison’s LGBTQ+ community thrives year-round, with queer-owned breweries, restaurants, and nightlife spots. But it’s summer when it truly blooms–quite literally. After all, Madison has the highest number of parks per capita in the U.S. and sits on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona.
Read my full article in Passport Magazine
