WAUSAU – The OUTLoud Inc. Marathon County LGBTQ+ Center announced this week that it will officially close June 1, marking the end of one of central Wisconsin’s few explicitly LGBTQ-focused community spaces.

In a public statement shared on social media, the organization’s board of directors said the decision followed “careful deliberation and an honest assessment” of the nonprofit’s current operations after facing ongoing challenges over the past two years.

“When we founded OUTLoud Inc., our vision was to create a space that empowered voices and fostered connection within our community,” the board wrote. “We are incredibly proud of the work we have done together and the milestones we reached in our mission to offer a safe and inclusive place for the LGBTQ+ community in Marathon County.”

The organization said it experienced a sustained decline in active participation and grassroots support needed to maintain its programs and long-term sustainability.

“As a nonprofit, our impact is entirely dependent on the energy, time, and resources of the community we serve,” the statement continued. “Unfortunately, without the level of engagement required to keep our initiatives viable, we are no longer able to continue our operations in a way that honors our mission.”

The closure highlights the increasingly difficult reality facing many small and mid-sized LGBTQ nonprofits, particularly in rural and regional communities where resources, volunteer capacity and donor support can be limited. Organizations like OUTLoud often serve multiple roles simultaneously — functioning as gathering spaces, informal support systems, advocacy hubs and visible affirmations of LGBTQ life in areas with fewer dedicated queer institutions.

In recent years, many grassroots community centers nationwide have struggled with volunteer burnout, shifting social habits, fundraising pressures and the long-term effects of the pandemic on in-person engagement.

For Marathon County and surrounding communities, the loss of OUTLoud represents more than the closure of a physical space. LGBTQ community centers frequently provide social connection, mental health support, educational programming and opportunities for people — especially youth and isolated adults — to build relationships in affirming environments.

The board expressed gratitude to volunteers, donors and supporters who helped sustain the organization throughout its existence.

“Your belief in our mission meant the world to us, and we are grateful for the moments of growth and connection we were able to share,” the board wrote.

Though the organization is winding down operations, board members said they hope community members will continue supporting local organizations and causes serving LGBTQ people throughout central Wisconsin.

“While this chapter is coming to a close, we remain deeply committed to the values that started this journey,” the statement concluded. “We encourage you to continue supporting the local organizations and causes that make our community stronger.”

OUTLoud Inc. Marathon County LGBTQ+ Center will officially cease operations June 1, 2026.