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

This special online session, designed for our Hampton community, provides a comprehensive look into the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture. You will get insights on the pivotal moments, influential figures, and societal shifts that have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality. By understanding the roots of the movement, we can better appreciate its present and future, both here in Hampton and beyond.

We will begin this online 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 country. 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, a struggle that had echoes in communities everywhere.

The discussion 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 inspire Pride celebrations in cities like Hampton.

In this online session for Hampton, 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 that shape the community in Hampton and worldwide. Though designed for our local community, this online event is accessible globally, offering a clear exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture for anyone interested.