Queer Wisconsin — A living history of LGBTQ+ life in Wisconsin

A living history of LGBTQ+ life in Wisconsin

Bar / Club

Blue Lite

Sheboygan

Summary

Blue Lite was a Sheboygan fixture for many years, and the go-to place for the area surrounding Sheboygan as well as a near-mandatory stop for guys driving between Green Bay and Milwaukee for gay bar stops. It held great parties and was always a fun time for dancing or shows.

According to one of the last owners, Melissa, Blue Lite was named because in Nazi Germany it was illegal to be gay and generally frowned upon, so anyone operating a 'gay bar' would display a blue light when they knew there was no Nazi in the bar; thus a 'blue lite' signaled a safe space for its patrons.

Images

The following are recollections of others who have been kind enough to submit their personal memories to the webmaster. You are welcome to do the same! Dean & Vera were wonderful human beings and I have some fond memories at this establishment. It was an honor to be your Miss Gay Lakeshore Wisconsin USofA 2008 (Bryanna Banx on Facebook) I only lived in Sheboygan a short time, but during a very pivotal time in my life. I was living alone for the first time, starting a real job, turning 21, and coming to terms with being gay. The Blue Lite was there for me. I was lost but found my people there. The staff and patrons were overly welcoming and a great sounding board. I even met my first partner there. There is still a place for safe spaces for us to come together. (Matthew W. on Facebook) I have lots of wonderful memories of Blue Lite. I remember being freshly 21 and having been excited to go to the openly gay bar in town for a long time. I'm glad I got to go one last time and see the place at least. Thank you Blue Lite, not only for the memories and community that you've helped build but for also the safe space you gave to us and every other LGBT+ person who came to stop by. We will miss you (Phoenix T. on Facebook) This is so sad! This was only one bar in town that you knew of as a safe place for LGBT+. The people I met at this bar were so fun and ready to party. I thank God that the few friends that were gay had a place to go and be safe to meet more people like them. This is a sad day in Sheboygan if you ask me. (Shelley R. on Facebook) Wow, sad to hear this & let me say Thank you to the Blue lite for the wonderful memories & opportunities & the Most Beautiful Dressing room for the Queens. (Art FG. H. on Facebook) Still crying..a flood of memories. Moving back here in 1996, Blue Lite being a part of carefree dancing, love, safe zone, mirrors, pool table, photo shoots, feather boas, boys and girls. Drag originale, flashing lights, and the best jukebox in town. People that loved vs. the other world. I'm gonna miss this place. (Ame S. on Facebook) So sad, but I'm glad u kept my cousin Dean and my aunt Vera's legacy go as far as u could, from the bottom of my heart a great big thank you for keeping this part of their legacy. (Kay Flo F. on Facebook) Sorry to hear this -- Blue is still important in this community! Some of my best memories and friendships happened here. (Ashleigh E. on Facebook) Pretty sure that allllllll of Sheboygan County still very much needs BLUE LITE to remain a safe gay space. Let’s hope that someone steps up to the plate!! (Ben B. on Facebook) Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project
Main island bar, c2020 / (from public web sites) / / Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project