History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture - Gulf Shores

This online session, designed for our Gulf Shores 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 the LGBT community here in Gulf Shores and beyond. This exploration is accessible from anywhere, bringing this important history directly to you.

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. Discover the universal challenges faced by LGBT individuals in a society that often preferred they remain invisible, experiences that resonate from major cities to smaller communities across the Gulf Coast.

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 led to the first Pride march. 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 that would eventually inspire local advocacy efforts everywhere.

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 movement.

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. This online discussion of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers an accessible overview for anyone interested. Though designed with Gulf Shores in mind, we welcome attendees from across the country and the world to join this important conversation.