Dr. Terry Boughner was editor and co-owner of the Wisconsin Light newspaper from its founding in 1987 until 1998. Boughner also authored a book, "Out Of All Time- a gay and lesbian history" in 1988, 50 stories of gay leaders and historical figures, published by Alyson Publications. Boughner also contributed a regular segment on Tri-Cable Tonight, a gay cable program in Milwaukee from 1987-1989, which also featured vignettes of gay historical people and events.

The following is from Terry's obituary, written by Bill Serpe of SAGE, and Terry's lover Jerry Johnson:

Terry Boughner passed away early in the morning on January 31, 2007. The son of Daniel Boughner and Marion Wirsing, he was born Daniel Terry Spence Boughner on August 28, 1940. Terry would have been 67 this year. He is survived by his partner of 20 years, Jerry Johnson and one brother in Philadelphia, PA.

Terry was born and raised in McKeesport, PA. He went on to attend Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA where he earned a B.A. in History. At the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Terry earned an M.A. in History, primarily concentrating on Western Hemisphere Studies and then a PhD. writing his dissertation on ­­George Read and the Founding of the Delaware State. He then went on to become a Professor at La Roche College in Pittsburgh, PA where he taught history from 1969 to 1983. During that time he chaired the Social Sciences Division and the History Department, and was president of the Faculty senate for two separate terms. The ‘Teacher of the Year’ award was presented to Terry several years in a row as he was deeply beloved by his students, many of whom he still had contact with the Christmas before his death.

The relationship between him and Jerry Johnson started when Terry responded to an ad that Jerry had placed in the “Advocate.” They corresponded for about two years, as often as everyday, and then in June of 1986 Terry ventured to Milwaukee on the train to see his friend. After three days he got back on the train, went to Pittsburgh, packed his belongings and returned to Milwaukee on July 3, 1986. “Ter’ and “Jer” started their committed relationship that day that lasted more than 20 years.

In 1987 they began publishing the “Wisconsin Light” newspaper, a publication for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The newspaper began in controversy when they could not find anyone who would print a ‘Gay’ publication. Once one was found the ‘Light’ continued to provide cutting edge news and commentary to the LGBT community for 11 years.
Terry was an accomplished writer and was considered an expert on the Gay Holocaust in Germany during World War II. He wrote a series of articles on this subject that were published in the “Gay Community News” in Hawaii. In 1988 the Alyson Press published Out of All Time; a Gay and Lesbian History by Terry that had started out as a 24 part series in the GLCVOICE in Minneapolis, MN. The series was called “Our Story: 5,000 years of gay and lesbian history. The Lambda Rising Book Report stated that the book was “A creditable, entertaining source of the sort of information which has been left out of most history books.”

Five novels written by Terry have yet to be published. Terry felt that by publishing them they would no longer belong to him and he would not be able to change them. He also wrote hundreds of short stories as well as gay articles that were primarily historical in content. A play, “All Loves Excelling” was produced by Off the Wall Production in July of 2000 at the New Circlestage Theatre in Milwaukee.

In 1999 Terry was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from PrideFest for all of his volunteer work and creating and writing the Wisconsin Light newspaper.

In the dedication to his Book ­­­Out of All Time terry wrote; To my beloved spouse, Jerry Johnson, whose love and faith have led me to understand gay love out of all time. Terry will be sadly missed by Jerry and many dear and loving friends.

A Memorial Service for Terry Boughner will be held on February 17, 2007 starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court Street. In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the Terry Boughner Interment Fund.