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

This online session, specially curated for the Gurnee 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 societal shifts that shaped the ongoing struggle for equality. While our focus is on providing this resource for Gurnee, we welcome attendees from anywhere online to understand the roots of the movement and better appreciate its present and future.

We will begin this digital talk by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities that laid the groundwork for future activism across the nation, providing a backdrop for understanding the journey in places like Gurnee. Discover the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility and rights.

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, leading to the first Christopher Street Liberation Day 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 resonate in communities everywhere, including Gurnee.

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 ongoing debates. This online exploration offers a clear and accessible overview for our Gurnee attendees and anyone joining globally who is interested in learning more about this important history.