The genesis of the Galano Club was in 1973 when the founders of the 94 group discovered it would not be easy to find meeting space for gay/lesbian AA groups. As the 94 AA group grew and expanded with additional difficulty in securing space, the idea to have a place of their own also grew. There was an obvious need for gay/lesbian people to have a place where they could expand their social needs in an alcohol and drug free environment.
Ten years after the first 94 group was formed, a "Steering Committee" started the process to form what is now the Galano Club. The committee became the first Board of Directors. For several years they met once a week at Summerfield Methodist Church and held events to raise money for a clubhouse of their own. In a short time we had enough funds to move into our first location at 1428 N. Farwell Ave. In March of 1989 the Club moved to 2408 N. Farwell. The Club enjoyed these spaces on the East side for almost 12 years.
In September, 2001 the Galano Club's membership decided to move once again. The Club had been extended an invitation to be an integral part of the greater LGBT community. In December 2001, the Galano Club opened it's doors at the present location on the second floor of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.
Today the Galano Club has a growing, active membership. The Club is home to fifteen 12 step meetings a week. Many people come through our doors each week for meetings or to just socialize with other recovering people.
The Galano Club hosts a variety of social activities appealing to all kinds of interests, including movies, dances, potlucks, and social outings.
Operating on a purely volunteer basis, the Galano Club has a board of Directors, consisting of eleven members, elected by the membership. The Board elects the officers of the Club. Volunteers run and operate the Club under the direction of the Board of Directors. No one is paid.
It is that spirt of everyone doing his or her part that makes the Club work. It is the membership pulling together that allows us to build for the future.
We urge you to join us. If you can, please volunteer.
Why Join The Club?
To actively contribute to the workings of a place where you can work your recovery program.
Members help guide the various social functions at the club.
To help keep the doors open for the next gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender person looking for a safe place to recover from addiction.
To be a recognized member of a flourishing LGBT recovering community.
Galano Club members receive the Galano Club newsletter, are invited to members only activities, receive mailings about events at the club, and are offered reduced rates for certain events.
The membership dues are a large part of the financial foundation of the Galano Club. They help cover the club's expenses.
