History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture - Nova Scotia

This online session provides a comprehensive look into the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture, tailored for our Nova Scotia community. You will get insights on the pivotal moments and influential figures that have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future here in Nova Scotia and beyond.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities in North America that laid the groundwork for future activism. Discover the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility, setting a precedent for movements that would eventually reach our communities in Nova Scotia.

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 inspired activism across the globe, including the first Pride marches in Canada. Understand how this single event catalyzed a new era of public protest, transforming the fight for gay rights into a visible movement that shaped the Pride celebrations we know in Halifax and across the province.

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 in Canada and beyond.
• 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 within the community. While designed for our audience in Nova Scotia, this online exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture is accessible globally, offering a clear overview for anyone interested in the topic.