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

This online session, designed with the Northfield community in mind, 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 have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality. While this discussion is tailored for our Northfield audience, we welcome participants from anywhere to join us online and explore the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future.

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 across the country. We'll discuss the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility and rights, providing a national context that helps us understand the environment for queer people everywhere, including in communities like Northfield.

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. We'll explore how this single event in New York City catalyzed a new era of public protest that rippled across the nation, eventually influencing awareness and organizing efforts far beyond the city.

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 the ongoing debates that shape the community locally in Northfield and nationally. This online exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone interested in understanding this vital part of our collective history.