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

Join us from Charleston, or anywhere online, for a comprehensive look into the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture. This digital session provides insights on the pivotal moments and influential figures that shaped the ongoing struggle for equality, offering a perspective relevant to our Charleston community. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities across the nation that laid the groundwork for future activism. Discover the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility, creating a ripple effect felt even in historic cities like Charleston.

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, leading to the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March. Understand how this single event catalyzed a new era of public protest, transforming the fight for gay rights into a visible, national movement that inspired local action everywhere.

In this online 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 relevant to communities across the US, including Charleston.
• 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 ongoing debates within the community. This exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers a clear overview for anyone interested, whether you are joining us from Charleston or from across the globe.