Real Milwaukee Love Story: Jenn + Brooke Davia

The couple found acceptance and community in Milwaukee after years of keeping their relationship private in a small conservative town.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Jenn and Brooke met in high school in Hammond, Louisiana, but didn't start dating until years later when they worked together at a local Mexican restaurant. After keeping their relationship private for nearly two years due to the lack of LGBTQ+ acceptance in their small town, the couple decided to take a leap and move to Milwaukee, where they immediately felt welcomed and embraced by the community. Now, after seven years together, Jenn and Brooke have celebrated their marriage and found a place to call home.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of finding a supportive community that allows LGBTQ+ couples to live authentically. It also showcases Milwaukee's reputation as a welcoming city that celebrates diversity and fosters connections among its residents.

The details

Jenn and Brooke met in high school in Hammond, Louisiana, but didn't start dating until they both worked at a local Mexican restaurant years later. They kept their relationship private for nearly two years due to the lack of LGBTQ+ acceptance in their small, conservative town. When Brooke's nursing work allowed them to travel, they decided to take a leap and move to Milwaukee, where they immediately felt welcomed by the community. The couple found a supportive group of LGBTQ+ professionals at a local bookstore event, and they have now been together for seven years, celebrating their marriage in August.

  • Jenn and Brooke met in high school in Hammond, Louisiana.
  • The couple started dating in March 2018.
  • Jenn and Brooke moved to Milwaukee in January 2026.
  • The couple celebrated their 7-year anniversary in March 2026.
  • Jenn and Brooke joyfully married in August 2026.

The players

Jenn

One half of the couple who met Brooke in high school in Hammond, Louisiana and later started dating her.

Brooke Davia

One half of the couple who met Jenn in high school in Hammond, Louisiana and later started dating her. Brooke works as a nurse.

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What they’re saying

“I knew Brooke was the one the moment she saw the person I could be and loved me enough to push me to become her.”

— Jenn (milwaukeemag.com)

“I knew Jenn was the one when I didn't want to be anywhere without her. Twenty-four hours was too long away. Her presence made every situation better and more exciting. I looked for her in every room.”

— Brooke (milwaukeemag.com)

The takeaway

This story showcases the power of finding an accepting and supportive community, even after facing challenges in a less tolerant environment. Jenn and Brooke's journey to Milwaukee highlights the city's reputation as a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to live authentically and build meaningful connections.