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

This online session, designed for our Baltimore 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, understanding how these national movements resonated right here in Baltimore. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future in our city and beyond.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities, like those that laid the groundwork for future activism in cities such as Baltimore. Discover the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility and rights in a society that often preferred they remain invisible.

The talk will then focus on the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a major turning point. We will examine how this event catalyzed a new era of public protest, inspiring the first Pride marches across the country, including those that would eventually form Baltimore's own vibrant Pride traditions. Understand how this single event 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. This includes an overview of the impact of the AIDS crisis and the rise of intersectionality, topics deeply relevant to Baltimore's community. This exploration of the History of Pride offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone interested. While this digital talk is framed with Baltimore in mind, we welcome attendees from anywhere in the world to join us online.