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

This online session, designed for the Lawrence 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. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future. While created with Lawrence in mind, this digital event is accessible to anyone interested globally.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising, setting a national context that influenced local experiences everywhere, including here in Lawrence. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities that laid the groundwork for future activism. 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, which catalyzed a new era of public protest that rippled across the country, inspiring community organizing in cities like Lawrence. Understand how this event transformed the fight for gay rights into a visible, national movement.

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 that impacted our community.
• How evolving terminology has shaped conversations within the Lawrence community and beyond.

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 our Lawrence audience and friends across the world.