History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture - Beaver Dam

This special online session, designed for the Beaver Dam 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, both globally and with relevance to our own community. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future right here in Beaver Dam and beyond.

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. We'll discuss the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility, a story that unfolded in communities large and small, including places like Beaver Dam, where society often preferred they remain invisible.

The talk will then focus on the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a major turning point. We'll examine the context of the riots and their immediate impact, which echoed from New York City to communities across the nation, inspiring future organizing efforts. Understand how this single event catalyzed a new era of public protest, transforming the fight for gay rights into a visible movement whose effects are felt even today in Beaver Dam.

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, including the impact of the AIDS crisis and the rise of intersectionality. While this online talk is presented with our Beaver Dam audience in mind, it offers a clear overview for anyone interested in the topic, and we welcome attendees from anywhere in the world to join us digitally. This exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture provides an accessible overview of a vital part of our shared history.