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Milwaukee's Lost LGBTQ+ Gem: The Scandalous Story of The Pink Glove

Milwaukee, a city celebrated for its brewing heritage and vibrant nightlife, has a fascinating, sometimes turbulent, history when it comes to LGBTQ+ spaces. We all know about This Is It!, the landmark gay bar that proudly holds the title of Wisconsin's longest-running and one of the nation's oldest. But what about the forgotten chapters, the fleeting moments that shaped the city's queer history? Let's dive into the story of The Pink Glove, a short-lived but unforgettable gay bar that ignited controversy on Water Street.

A Sizzling Strip: Broadway's Risky Past

Before the craft breweries and trendy restaurants that now line Water Street, this area had a reputation for vice and gambling. Imagine Milwaukee in the early 20th century, a city teeming with saloons, backroom deals, and whispers of organized crime. Marble Hall, a legendary saloon and gambling den, once stood tall, brokering deals and setting odds for the entire city. Even after Prohibition, a speakeasy kept the spirit alive above N. Broadway, clinging to the legacy of Marble Hall.

From Cafeteria to Controversy: The Birth of The Pink Glove

In 1958, Phillip's Cocktail Lounge decided to remodel. Little did anyone know, this simple renovation would spark a blaze of controversy. The marble floors and fixtures were covered in plush red velour. Ancient brass fixtures were replaced with soft pink sconces. A new identity was being born: The Pink Glove.

But why pink? Why this sudden transformation? According to FBI reports at the time, pink was a "signal for sex deviates." The Pink Glove wasn't just a bar; it was a bold statement, a beacon for the gay community in a time when simply congregating could lead to legal repercussions.

A Safe Space Under Siege

The Pink Glove deliberately catered to the gay community, a radical move for its time. Business boomed. But success attracted unwanted attention. The owners, the Kleins, had seemingly underestimated the true cost of making waves in a homophobic society. What started as a safe haven quickly became a battleground.

The Shadow of Organized Crime and Police Raids

Whispers of shady funding, alleged ties to organized crime, and escalating police raids painted a grim picture. The FBI even suspected the Kleins had received remodel assistance from "sponsors of Italian and Jewish extraction." One week after opening, FBI agents reported that Balistrieri was "sending men into the bar to check the cash register." It's difficult to verify these claims, but they show the political and cultural climate during this time.

Adding fuel to the fire, Marvin Klein, one of the owners, was already under scrutiny due to his involvement with "amusement machine distributor operations." Believe it or not, jukebox licenses were often controlled by organized crime syndicates, used as leverage to strong-arm bar takeovers. In 1958, the stakes were incredibly high: businesses could lose their licenses simply for allowing homosexuals to congregate.

Imagine the tension, the fear, the constant threat of exposure and arrest. What was meant to be a sanctuary had become a target.

A Fleeting Flame: The Pink Glove's Demise

In just 67 days, The Pink Glove went from a promising haven to a dangerous gamble. The constant pressure became unbearable. On October 25, 1958, the bar closed its doors forever. Klein relinquished his liquor license, a casualty of a society that wasn't ready for open acceptance.

The Legacy of Plankinton and the Fight for Visibility

Before The Pink Glove, Plankinton Ave. had been home to a well-known gay bar for years, operating without significant police interference. The city had seven known gay bars operating during the 1950s. But these establishments likely had “proper protection," – arrangements with local authorities to turn a blind eye. The Pink Glove's mistake? They were too open, too visible, and therefore, too vulnerable.

The short life and demise of The Pink Glove is more than just a forgotten footnote in Milwaukee history. It’s a reminder of the courage it took to carve out spaces of belonging in a hostile world. It also offers a glimpse into the complex forces at play: the intersection of organized crime, homophobic laws, and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Beyond The Pink Glove: Exploring Milwaukee's LGBTQ+ History Today

While The Pink Glove has vanished, Milwaukee's LGBTQ+ scene continues to thrive. Want to experience some of the city's best gay bars and clubs?

The story of The Pink Glove reminds us that progress is not always linear. It’s a reminder to honor the pioneers who paved the way for a more inclusive future and to continue fighting for equality and visibility for all.

So, the next time you're enjoying a drink on Water Street, take a moment to remember The Pink Glove, the little bar that dared to be different, even if only for 67 days. Its story serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped Milwaukee's LGBTQ+ community.