Big Night OUT

 

The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is excited to celebrate our annual Big Night Out Gala on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel. This year's theme, “Unapologetically Us: Honoring Legacy, Empowering Tomorrow,” celebrates community, resilience, and pride while reaffirming the Center's commitment to excellence and fiscal responsibility.

The event will commemorate National Coming Out Day and honor the courage it takes to live authentically. The gala will also feature Ballroom Therapy, a youth-driven program under the Center's umbrella, showcasing the transformative impact of mental health programming and Project Q.

As LGBTQ+ organizations face increasing political and funding challenges, this year's fundraising efforts are vital to sustaining services that empower youth, support mental health, and build safe, affirming spaces. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner, program, and silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the Center's programs across Southeast Wisconsin.

The Big Night Out Gala is the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center’s signature celebration, a night of joy, community, and impact. Each year, we gather friends, allies, and champions from across Wisconsin to honor the progress we’ve made and to power the vital programs that serve our LGBTQ+ family every day.

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Why It Matters

At a time when LGBTQ+ programs across the nation face mounting political and financial pressures, fundraising is more important than ever. The Big Night Out Gala fuels the Center’s year-round mission, providing critical services, compassionate care, and life-affirming spaces for all who call this community home.

Every dollar raised directly supports:

  • Project Q Youth Programming – building confidence, connection, and leadership in over 800 young people annually.

  • Mental Health Services – offering more than 3,500 hours of counseling each year, free.

  • Community Engagement Programs – connecting thousands of individuals through advocacy, education, and celebration.

  • Ballroom Therapy – empowering LGBTQ+ youth through creative expression, movement, and healing.

Featured Program
Opening the evening, Ballroom Therapy will present a dynamic and heartfelt performance that captures the energy, creativity, and courage of our youth. As a community-based program under the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center umbrella, Ballroom Therapy provides mental health support, creative expression, and empowerment for young people, showing donors firsthand the transformative power of their investment.

Silent Auction
Bid on exclusive experiences, local art, and unique packages throughout the evening. All proceeds directly support the Center’s programs and services. Interested in donating an auction item? Email Rmartin@mkelgbt.org to contribute.

Dress to Express:
Cocktail with flair is encouraged. Celebrate your truth in style as you see fit. 

Sponsorship & Tickets
Your presence and partnership make the difference.
Sponsorship opportunities and ticket packages are now available.