History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture - Asbury Park

This online session, tailored for the Asbury Park community, provides a comprehensive look into the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture. You will get insights on the pivotal moments and influential figures that shaped the ongoing struggle for equality, from a national perspective down to its local resonance. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate the vibrant community we cherish here in Asbury Park.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities that laid the groundwork for future activism. Discover the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous steps they took to demand visibility, even in coastal communities along the Jersey Shore.

The talk will then focus on the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a major turning point. We will examine how this single event catalyzed a new era of public protest and community organizing, inspiring activists and leading to the rise of pride celebrations in cities across the nation, including our own. This exploration of the History of Pride helps connect a pivotal moment to our local context.

In this session, you will learn about:

• The social and political climate for LGBT people before 1969.
• The significance of the Stonewall Uprising and its lasting legacy.
• The evolution of Pride from a political march to a global celebration.
• How national movements influenced the LGBT community in Asbury Park.
• The expansion of terminology and the inclusion of diverse identities.

Finally, we will discuss the modern era and the complexities of queer culture today, including the impact of the AIDS crisis and the rise of intersectionality. This look at the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers a clear overview for anyone interested in the topic. While this online event is designed with our Asbury Park audience in mind, we welcome participants from anywhere to join us digitally.