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!
Sharon Clavins – Secretary
Mike Steffel – Treasurer
I’ve had a slow awakening to the LGBTQ+ community over the span of my life.
I’m Mike Steffel and I use he/him/his pronouns and identify as a cisgender straight male. I live in Lancaster, WI. I work as UX and Accessibility Specialist and have been involved 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 know 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.
I love the LGBTQ+ people in my life! They are the reason I am involved with the Southwest Wisconsin Rainbow Alliance.
Tara Cobb
Hello! I’m Tara Cobb. My pronouns are they/them/their. I am genderqueer, pansexual and polyamorous. I moved to Platteville with family in June of 2021 and we were happily surprised to find a Pride event scheduled for our third day in town! In various chapters of my life I have been: a teacher, a student, a library worker, an activist, a leader, a crafter, a volunteer organizer, and an event planner. I have always strongly valued creating, connecting, and caring for community. I love cats, audiobooks, coffee, and yarn. And I am proud to be able to serve on the SWRA board. My goals are to empower, educate, and foster meaningful relationships.
Ari Ihm
Hello, I am Ari Ihm. I am autistic and I use she/her pronouns. I have lived in Platteville since 2011 when I came here to attend the University and never left. I have enjoyed building my home here. I identify as a cis-gender pansexual woman whose gender expression fluctuates. Some of my hobbies include working out (weight lifting, running, biking, etc.), being outside, cooking/baking, and drawing. Professionally, I have worked with people with disabilities since 2014. I am proud to belong to the disability and LGBTQ communities.
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.