Even though Pulse Nightclub in Orlando is thousands miles away, the scale of the bloodshed is felt here in Milwaukee and at popular LGBT bar, 'This Is It.'
Rather than living in fear, the overwhelming response for the LGBT community is admiration. ‘This Is It’ customers say they need to be more close-knit than ever before.
“Most of the people that come here, care about each other and um..we all look out for each other,” says Jesse Rodriguez. “It's not that we are scared we're not going to take a step back with what the community has done but I think it's actually bringing us closer together.”
This bar has been bringing the local LGBT community together for decades.
'This Is It' opened in 1968 by June Brehm and her first intentions wasn't open a gay bar.
“When she was looking to open the place she walked in here and she goes "This Is It," said Thomas Kaplinski, bar manager of 'This Is It'.
Kaplinski may be young but he’s been schooled on this bar’s history.
“She had always said this will always be a spot for you guys to come in and feel comfortable because we actually used to sell food back in the 70’s,” said Kaplinski.
Soon the bar became known as place for those that needed a place of protection, when people might have been rejected by society and at times by their own families. This protection has built long lasting-relationships.
It's even earned recognition from state leaders for being a safe haven for the LGBT community.
