Wisconsin Equality Map
As two of Wisconsin’s statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, we are frequently asked about legal protections against anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in all facets of life: employment, housing, public accommodations (public spaces), and education. The purpose of this map is to help Wisconsin’s residents, visitors, workforce, media, and policymakers learn more about which communities have legal protections in these areas, and where these legal protections are needed in the absence of a comprehensive statewide law.
In 1982, Wisconsin was the first state in the country to pass a statewide law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, in housing, employment and public accommodations. Protections for students was added in 1985. Unfortunately, these laws do not include explicit protections for gender identity and expression. As a result, many local communities and school districts have voluntarily adopted ordinances, policies and/or procedures to ensure that transgender and nonbinary Wisconsinites are protected from discrimination.
The information presented here was compiled by staff and volunteers who reviewed each municipal or school ordinance, policy, or procedure. We endeavor to ensure that information is complete and accurate; however, we recognize that occasionally we might have missing, outdated, or incorrect information and welcome your support. Please contact us at info@fairwisconsin.com or info@gsafewi.org to report errors or omissions, with “Equality Map Corrections” in the subject line.
To inquire about advocating for these protections in your local community, or for information on the latest efforts to expand our statewide law to include gender identity and expression:
For counties, cities, villages, towns, school districts, or statewide, please contact info@fairwisconsin.com.
For school districts, please contact info@gsafewi.org.
Thanks to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for providing funding to support this project. Thanks to Movement Advancement Project, whose national Equality Maps and related resources served as a model for the development of this Wisconsin-specific project.