GREEN BAY, Wis. — Pride flags are being raised across Wisconsin to mark the beginning of Pride Month. Monday afternoon, Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich raised this city’s 3rd annual pride flag, which holds a special meaning for two Brown County residents.

Hand in hand, Lisa and Berri West headed to the Brown County Clerk’s office Monday. The two said it created a feeling of nostalgia, because 10 years ago they took part in Brown County’s first same-sex marriage. 

What You Need To Know

  • Lisa and Berri West were the first same-sex couple to be married outside the Brown County courthouse in 2014

  • A decade later, the Wests said they still have to insulate their family from negative attitudes about their marriage

  • This is the third year the Pride flag has been raised in front of Green Bay's City Hall for Pride Month

"I remember rushing across the street, signing it real fast and bringing it back here just in case they lifted the state. We wanted to make sure that we were legal," Lisa West said.

Lisa West’s wife Berri West said on that day her mind was a bit preoccupied with another major life event.

"I remember being pregnant. We had Jasper two days later," Berri said.

The couple now has four children.

Lisa and Berri West have been happily married thanks to their willingness to grow together.

"Every day, we think about, you know, how we can support each other and what we can do to help each other," Berri West said.

But even a decade later, Lisa and Berri West said they still have to insulate their family from negative attitudes about their marriage; this couple said no matter what, they strongly stand proud.

"We stick with our support team. We stick with our family and friends. However, when we do go out of our boundaries and out of our safe space, we don't back down either. We want to make sure that people are aware we are together, we're married and nothing's going to deter that," Lisa West said.

The two said they are concerned about their right to remain married and what would happen if courts rule in a different way.

"Once Roe v. Wade happened, immediately, my wife and I talked again about what's our exit plan. And we've had to do this once before. And that's the unfortunate piece is that we have looked at property outside of the country," Lisa West said.

Lisa and Berri West said during Pride Month, they will celebrate their happiness while reflecting on their continued struggle for equality.

"We haven't always had a foot to stand on and we finally have that and we need to make sure that we're sharing with everybody who we are, where we stand where we come from," Lisa West said.

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