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

This online session, designed for the Barrie 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 societal shifts that have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality, providing context for our own local experiences in Barrie. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future. While created with Barrie in mind, this digital event is accessible to anyone interested globally.

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, including movements that eventually influenced change here in Canada and in communities like Barrie. 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 the context of the riots and their immediate impact, which sent ripples across the world, inspiring activism far beyond New York. Understand how this single event catalyzed a new era of public protest and community organizing, transforming the fight for gay rights into a visible, international movement.

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, including how it's marked in communities like Barrie.
• 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, the rise of intersectionality, and the ongoing debates within the community that shape conversations right here in Barrie. This exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone interested in the topic.