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

This online session, designed for the Coolidge 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 its relevance both globally and here in Arizona. 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. We'll discuss the challenges faced by LGBT individuals across the nation and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility, stories that resonate from major cities to smaller communities like Coolidge.

The talk will then focus on the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a major turning point. We will examine 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 whose impact would eventually be felt everywhere. While this is an online event tailored for Coolidge, its lessons are universal and accessible to a global audience.

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, the rise of intersectionality, and the ongoing debates within the community. This exploration of the History of Pride offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone interested in the topic, wherever you are tuning in from.