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

This online session, designed for our Killeen 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 have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality. While tailored with Killeen in mind, we welcome participants from anywhere to join us digitally to understand the roots of the movement and appreciate its present and future.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities across the nation that laid the groundwork for future activism. Discover the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility in a society that often preferred they remain invisible, a context that shaped communities everywhere, including in Texas.

The talk will then focus on the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a major turning point. We will examine how this single event in New York catalyzed a new era of public protest and community organizing, transforming the fight for gay rights into a visible, national movement that would eventually influence local activism and awareness in cities like Killeen.

In this online 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: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone in Killeen or beyond interested in the topic.