Rae Adair Antczak, 21, entered this life on August 20, 1999 and shined his light on this earth until November 23, 2020. Rae worked as Assistant Director at the LGBT Center of Southeast Wisconsin. Through the pandemic, he worked to facilitate virtual support groups and other safe ways to keep connecting the community with the LGBT Center’s resources. He found meaning in his advocacy for LGBT civil rights and in fighting to make our society a kinder, more inclusive one in which all people can feel safe and loved as themselves. Although he was constrained by a variety of health challenges, he found the strength to join in marches, speak at events, and moderate online forums. Rae found his spark of life in seeing how his work could improve the lives of others. For sheer joy, Rae was an enthusiastic fan of Utaite music and culture, especially Mafumafu and After the Rain. He studied Japanese and graphic design, loved manga and anime, played joyful video games, and helped to moderate a pokemon forum. In his online communities, he was known for his wit, his charm, his diplomacy, his compassion, and his enthusiasm. He is particularly remembered for his generosity in the time and attention he happily gave to anyone who came to him with questions about games, technology, his experience as a trans man, and his devotion to his advocacy. Rae is survived by his mother, Arian Antczak and maternal grandmother, Megan Nichols, who helped raise him. He’s further survived by his sister Cait and paternal grandmother Sandra. His boss, colleagues in activism and advocacy, and elected officials with whom he collaborated honor his memory and will carry him forward with them as they continue their shared work. His light is cherished and held by other loving family and friends around the world. He was preceded in death by his father, Mykal Antczak, who died of covid this April. Rae had hoped that they could find their way through struggles and forge a closer relationship after his father recovered. His friends and family hold that hope for Rae and his father still. A service will be held virtually with an in-person memorial to be planned after the pandemic. For Rae’s sake, his mother asks that mourners hear his messages of kindness, inclusion, respect, and honesty and find ways to incorporate him into their compassion for themselves and others. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the LGBT Center of SE WI would be appreciated by the family.https://secure.givelively.org/donate/lgbt-center-of-se-wisconsin/in-memory-of-rae-antczakProko Funeral Home & Crematory5111 60th St. 262 654 3533Visit & Sign Rae’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Sr. Clarice Sevegney
December 6, 2020
Rae was a compassionate, "out", young transman. He wanted the world to know he was trans and he fought for the rights of other transgender and gender fluid youth and adults. In our culture today, that takes a special kind of conviction and courage. Rae possessed that conviction and courage.With love,Sister Clarice SevegneyLGBT Center Board Member
Ana Moreno
December 2, 2020
I knew Rae back in middle school and early on in high school. Even then, I remember his strong devotion to fighting for those experiencing oppression. While at that time, he was fiercely private, I am happy to read he found his voice and was able to use it to to help so many others find their voices too. His impact on others honestly reached far beyond what he knew. My deepest condolences to his mother and grandmother. You are in my thoughts.
Carl Hubbard
December 2, 2020
Rae was, and remains, an inspiration to all who knew him. His fierce advocacy for social, racial and LGBTQ+ justice and his compassion for any person in need of support or guidance was impressive, especially in someone as young as Rae. His light and his memory brightens the path forward for all of us who work towards a future without hate, bigotry or injustice. With love, Carl Hubbard, LGBT Center board member.
Kerry Andersen
November 28, 2020
I was fortunate to have met Rae twice in my life and both times he was advocating for others. I was struck by the love and compassion this sensitive young man shared with the world. May his light continue to shine brightly on all who knew and loved him.
Diana Russell-Rogers
November 27, 2020
Arian, I am so saddened and heartbroken to hear of your loss. He was truly an inspiration to his community. May peace and love surround you in this difficult time.