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

This online session, designed for the Columbus 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 have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality, understanding how these global movements resonate right here in Ohio. 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 that laid the groundwork for future activism, both nationally and in cities like Columbus. 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 inspired actions across the country and eventually led to celebrations like the Columbus Pride parade. Understand how this single event catalyzed a new era of public protest and community organizing, transforming the fight for gay rights into a visible, national movement.

In this online session for our Columbus 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 the complexities of queer culture today. This includes an overview of how national events like the AIDS crisis and the rise of intersectionality impacted communities from coast to coast, including here in Columbus. This exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers a clear and accessible overview. While this discussion is framed for our Columbus community, we welcome attendees online from anywhere in the world to join us.