While 1971 was to see the first "Gay Liberation" or "Gay Pride" celebrations in Milwaukee, planning started in 1970. Organized events kicked off extremely early in the year, with a "Gay Pride March" on Saturday January 2 beginning with a rally at the War Memorial Center and then the march down Wisconsin Avenue. That was followed by a poetry reading that same evening, a "Gay-In" at the Southridge Shopping Center on Sunday, and a few other activities.

Then on Monday, September 6, 1971 the "Vietnam Veterans Against The War" sponsored a parade, and opened it to participation by any group. Milwaukee's Gay Liberation Front headed a gay contingent in the parade. According to the article in the GPU News, "A large Gay Liberation banner, a gay flag, and two other posters were carried by some 30 or 40 gay men and women who marched arm in arm."

The GPU article goes on to say "There were only a few catcalls and many supporting comments from the spectators some of whom joined the group. After the parade ended the crowd walked to the alternate site park where music was provided along with food. The media noted the participation of Gay Liberation."