Digest | March 12 – 26, 2026
Welcome to CWPride News!
Things are heating up. The sun is shining and we have several great events in store for you this summer—time to start making plans! Camping registration for the Spring CampOUT, Central Wisconsin Pride, Call of the Wild, and an all-new event Feral by Nature are open online at centralwipride.org.
We're bringing you an array of news, LGBTQ+ history, and events of interest. This newsletter is here for you to enjoy and stay connected with our community.
📍 CENTRAL WISCONSIN PRIDE NEWS
🏕️ Come Up North!
First up—come up north for a wonderful weekend of camping and relaxation! This year the LGBTQ+ Spring CampOUT is the weekend after Memorial Day.
🎉 All the entertainment for CWPride '26 has now been booked! All your favorites are returning, plus a large cast of exciting newcomers joining us this year.
The campgrounds will be open Thursday through Sunday so you can enjoy tons of activities all weekend long.
🌈 As always—CWPride is the Gay Woodstock!!!
🏛️ Top National Stories This Fortnight
1 United Nations Rejects U.S. Effort to Erase Trans Women from Human Rights Protections
A U.S.-backed proposal to narrow the definition of "sex" at the United Nations was rejected by member states this month. Existing U.N. language, broadly interpreted to include trans people, remains intact.
- Signals that many governments are unwilling to adopt U.S.-style "sex redefinition" policies in international law.
- Highlights growing tension between current U.S. federal policy and broader global human rights norms.
- Gives trans advocates concrete leverage when resisting similar efforts at home.
2 Senate Democrats Block Nationwide Ban on Trans Health Care and School Sports
Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-backed package that would have tied a national voter ID bill to a federal ban on gender-affirming care and trans participation in school sports.
- Shows the Senate remains a key firewall against the most sweeping federal anti-trans proposals.
- Demonstrates how voting rights policy is being bundled with LGBTQ+ restrictions.
- Gives advocates a concrete win to highlight during Trans Day of Visibility.
3 Supreme Court Backs Parents Challenging California Trans Student Privacy Policies
In a 6–3 emergency ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated an injunction blocking California guidance that discouraged schools from disclosing a student's gender identity to unsupportive parents.
- May embolden challenges to student privacy policies and trans-affirming school practices nationwide.
- Could create a chilling effect for trans and questioning youth who fear being outed through school channels.
- Suggests future protections may need to come from state legislatures and local districts.
4 Anti-Trans Ballot Measures Advance in Multiple States for 2026
At least four states—including Missouri—have moved anti-trans initiatives toward the 2026 ballot, targeting gender-affirming care, restroom access, and school sports participation.
- Moves fights over trans rights directly to voters, raising the stakes for turnout in 2026.
- Shows how attacks on reproductive rights and trans health care are being linked in the same measures.
- Gives organizers lead time to build broad opposition campaigns.
📜 On This Fortnight in LGBTQ+ History
March 27 – March 31: Milestones That Shaped Our Movement
- March 27, 1977 – President Jimmy Carter's press secretary publicly defended the administration against charges of "pandering" to gay activists—a rare moment of White House acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ people as a legitimate constituency. Learn more →
- March 28, 1933 – Just weeks after the Nazis took power, one of Berlin's largest queer clubs was shut down under a "public morality" directive—a grim prelude to the murder of LGBTQ+ people under the Nazi regime. Learn more →
- March 31, 2009 – Rachel Crandall-Crocker launched the first International Transgender Day of Visibility, choosing a spring date to celebrate living trans people. TDOV is now observed worldwide. Learn more →
- March 31, 2021 – President Biden issued the first official U.S. presidential proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility. Learn more →
🌟 Historic Figure Spotlight: Rachel Crandall-Crocker
Rachel Crandall-Crocker (1950s–present) is a Michigan-based transgender psychotherapist, activist, and the founder of International Transgender Day of Visibility.
A licensed psychotherapist and executive director of Transgender Michigan, Crandall-Crocker envisioned a day focused on celebrating living trans people and affirming their contributions. In 2009, she launched the first TDOV using grassroots organizing, and it spread worldwide.
📅 Upcoming Events Calendar
Mark Your Calendars for 2026!
🏕️ May 28–31 – LGBTQ+ Spring Campout
Join us for a weekend of camping, connection, and community at Motorama Events Grounds.
🏳️🌈 June 13 – Fox Valley Pride
Celebrate Pride with our friends in the Fox Valley community!
🏳️🌈 June 18–21 – Central Wisconsin Pride Festival
Our flagship 4-day festival featuring entertainment, vendors, and celebration for all!
🌲 July 18–20 – Call of the Wild
Experience nature, community, and adventure at our summer campout event.
🐾 July 31 – August 2 – Feral by Nature
An all-new event — come unleash your wild side with us!
💎 Emerald Nightclub – April Events
4/3 – Fri – EASTER EGG HUNT — Get discounts or free drinks!
4/11 – Sat – DJ PARTY BOY AUDIO — 10PM – 2AM
4/17 – Fri – LOUD MOUTH KARAOKE — 9PM – 1AM
4/25 – Sat – DOUBLE DRAG SHOW DAY
Liquid Drag Brunch 11:30AM | Platinum's Birthday Drag Show 9:30PM
🏳️🌈 OUTLoud inc.
Marathon County LGBTQ+ Center
The only LGBTQ+ Center in Central Wisconsin.
Providing support to the LGBTQ+ community creates inclusive communities where everyone can live and thrive.
🤝 LGBTQIA+ Support Group
The Centre for Well-Being, Inc. (Weston)
"You are not alone; you are warmly welcomed here."
When: 1st & 3rd Saturday | 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Where: 4601 Camp Phillips Road, Weston, WI 54476
No registration required. Free and confidential.
Visit Website Call (715) 848-5022