History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture - Astoria

This online session, specially presented for our Astoria community, provides a comprehensive look into the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture. While this event is accessible globally, we'll connect these pivotal moments to our shared New York experience. You will get insights on the influential figures and societal shifts that have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality, from the West Village to our own neighborhoods in Queens.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising, including the early organizations and hidden communities in NYC that laid the groundwork for future activism. Discover the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility in a society, including right here in our city, that often preferred they remain invisible.

The talk will then focus on the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a major turning point that unfolded just a few miles from Astoria. We will examine the context of the riots and their immediate impact, which led to the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March and transformed the fight for gay rights into a visible, national movement with deep local roots.

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.
• Key legislative battles and cultural milestones over the decades.
• The expansion of terminology and the inclusion of diverse identities within the community.

Finally, we will discuss the modern era and the complexities of queer culture today, reflecting on how this history informs the vibrant community in Astoria. This exploration of the History of Pride offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone interested in understanding how a global movement has a powerful local impact.