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

This online session, designed for the Columbia 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 these national roots helps us better appreciate the journey of our own community's present and future, right here in Columbia.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities that laid the groundwork for activism across the nation. We'll discuss the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous steps they took to demand visibility, struggles that resonate in cities like Columbia and beyond.

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 impact, which catalyzed a new era of public protest and community organizing. Understand how this event transformed the fight for gay rights into a visible, national movement whose effects reached communities far and wide, inspiring local action.

In this online talk for our Columbia audience, 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 its complexities, from the impact of the AIDS crisis to the rise of intersectionality. These topics are vital to understanding the vibrant and diverse queer culture we see today, both globally and within Columbia. While this exploration of the History of Pride is presented with our local community in mind, this online event is accessible to anyone, anywhere, who is interested in the topic.