The Southwest Wisconsin Rainbow Alliance is governed by a board of elected members. This board is responsible for the direction SWRA takes in education and support for LGBTQ+ in southwest Wisconsin.
Royal Palmer – President
I moved to Platteville with my husband and pets in late 2019/early 2020 to become the new owners of the Driftless Market & Deli, located in downtown Platteville. Not long after moving to Southwest Wisconsin, I was invited to join the SWRA.
As a member (and current President) of the SWRA, I have been able to connect with amazing, like-minded folk; both allies and friends of the LGBTQ+ community.
My goal as President is to continue to promote the well-being and comradery of the LGBTQ community in Southwest Wisconsin by facilitating monthly support meetings, annual Pride events, and focused energy on Mental Health Resources in the area.
Tony Palmer – Vice-President
I grew up in Minnesota, a few hours north of the Twin Cities, I moved to Platteville in late 2019 with my Husband, Royal, to purchase the Driftless Market on Main Street.
I love to go kayaking, hiking, swimming, anything outside, especially with our 2 dogs, Biscuit and Cubby. I also have an adorable Ferret named Milk, (yes, after Harvey Milk) and a love for music. I’m currently learning to play the Ukulele!
Aimee Belanger – Secretary
Mike Steffel – Treasurer
I’m Mike Steffel. Living in Lancaster, WI, I’ve worked in web development since 1998. Life experiences have modified my way of thinking in recognizing that lots of folks think differently than I do. I’ve known people who were transitioning and have transitioned, who are non-binary, and who just don’t want to be labeled. All of this has lead me to where I am now: respecting and supporting all while learning.
Sharon Klavins
Nathan Robinson
Hi I’m Nathan. I moved to Platteville Wisconsin in 2021 from Minneapolis. I never imagined living in a small town but the amount of love this community has is astonishing. I’m an interior designer with a small business in Minneapolis. I am also the store manager of the Driftless Market right here in Platteville. In my free time I love being in the wilderness with my dog , binge watching a show or out on my bicycle/kayak exploring.
Lynn Verger
Platteville is my hometown. I grew up here and returned in 2001. I am the parent of an amazing transgender child and with the SWRA am working so that all memebers of the LGBTQIA+ community feel welcome, safe, and valued in Platteville. I’ve been married to my life partner, Scott Baumann, for 34 years. By profession I am a geriatric psychiatrist. By passion I am an artist. For exercise I swim and ride my recumbant tricycle.
Amy Barlow Liberatore
Amy Barlow Liberatore (she/they) is a poet and activist. Proud mom of an out trans/nonbinary professional artist. Amy is active in Free Mom Hugs, advocating for LGBTQ rights and safety. She also participates in a monthly poetry slam. An inconvenient white woman who antagonizes politicians by asking hard questions and expecting cogent answers.
Sonja Passant
Hi, I’m Sonja – I moved to Platteville for school, and ended up staying! By day, I’m a data analyst. By night, I’m in bed. I joined the SWRA to support my community, meet good folks, and spend my time (attempting) to do good things for the world. In the rest of my free time, I like to read, do artsy and craftsy stuff, think too much about things, garden, and hang out with my cat, Duck.