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

This online session, designed for our Columbia community, provides a comprehensive look into the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture. While we're focusing on a Columbia audience, we welcome attendees from anywhere to join us online. You will get insights on the pivotal moments, influential figures, and societal shifts that have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition. 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. We'll discuss the challenges faced by LGBT individuals, reflecting on what life was like in cities like Columbia and across the country, and the courageous first steps taken to demand visibility 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 the riots in New York catalyzed a new era of public protest, inspiring activism that reached communities far and wide, including right here in Columbia. Understand how this single event transformed the fight for gay rights into a visible, national 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.
• 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 on a national and local level, the rise of intersectionality, and the ongoing debates within the community. This exploration offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone in Columbia and beyond interested in learning more about the history of Pride.