Caffeinated Politics

Opinions And Musings By Gregory Humphrey. "Why should I not learn something new every day, and, if I can, shine a light into the eye of my heart?" Mirza Saleh

Gay Rights

May 19, 2026

Watertown School Board Tried to Silence Music About LGBTQ+ Community, But Gave It Wide Publicity

The Watertown School Board has achieved something truly remarkable, something they had not intended. They tried to undermine a dignified instrumental piece about LGBTQ+ history, but instead turned it into the most talked‑about spring cultural event in much of Wisconsin. By “remarkable,” I mean the kind of strategic brilliance that belongs in a museum exhibit… Continue reading

wisconsin, Wisconsin Politics, republicans, conservatives, Society, Gay Rights, culture-wars, Social Commentary, bigotry

bigotry, classical-music, Gay Rights, history, lgbtq, music, news, omar-thomas, transgender, Watertown, writing
May 13, 2026

A Band Concert Shouldn’t Be a Culture War; Yet The Watertown School Board Created One

The news from Watertown is truly disheartening. Watertown High School’s wind symphony will not be allowed to play a musical piece with ties to LGBTQ history at an upcoming spring concert. The decision didn’t come without fiery opposition from most in attendance at a School Board meeting Tuesday. Board members voted 7-1 to prohibit the… Continue reading

bigotry, conservatives, Education, Gay Rights, music, republicans, Watertown, wisconsin, Wisconsin Politics

classical-music, Gay Rights, history, lgbtq, music, news, omar-thomas, stonewall, Watertown
April 29, 2026

Gay People Are Part Of Every Family

I was reminded this week of a truism. Gay people are a part of every family. One of the chief bullies from my high school years has a gay brother in a long-term committed relationship with his partner. Good for the brother. That fact intersects with my life, and to be honest, I hope that… Continue reading

Gay Rights, hancock, Plainfield, Society

bigotry, gay, Gay Rights, hancock, lgbt, lgbtq, Plainfield, queer, writing

Recent Columns

Humphrey History Minute

Coffee Shop Banter

Perfect Addition To A Cup Of Hot Steaming Coffee

My book is about a rural family, finding a way through the years of being bullied, and the suicide of my best friend. Many recollections about the days in broadcasting, the state legislature, and coming out as a gay man.

Gay Rights

Watertown School Board Tried to Silence Music About LGBTQ+ Community, But Gave It Wide Publicity

A Band Concert Shouldn’t Be a Culture War; Yet The Watertown School Board Created One

Gay People Are Part Of Every Family