What makes a space feel queer—not just in name, but in spirit? How do places become sites of visibility, safety, and joy for LGBTQ+ communities?
Join us for an evening of storytelling, reflection, and connection as we explore queer placemaking in Madison. Moderated by Giant Jones Brewer Jessica Jones, this casual panel brings together LGBTQ+ voices from the city’s hospitality, media, and organizing scenes to talk about how queer spaces are created, sustained, and reimagined.
We will be joined by special guest, journalist and author Erik Piepenburg. Inspired by Erik’s book Dining Out and his reporting on queer visibility in public life, the conversation will look at how identity and community shape the spaces we gather in—both locally and nationally.
Presented by Giant Jones in partnership with Destination Madison, this event is part of a broader effort to uplift and celebrate Madison’s queer scene. Come to mingle, connect, and imagine what queer placemaking looks like now—and what it could become.
Bonus: Catch Erik the next day at the Wisconsin Book Festival for a deeper dive into Dining Out!