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

This online session, designed for our Petaluma 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 influential figures that have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future, both nationally and locally. While this conversation is centered on Petaluma, we welcome attendees from anywhere to join us online.

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. 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, even in communities like ours.

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 a new generation of activists from coast to coast and influencing the fight for gay rights everywhere.

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. This exploration of the History of Pride offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone in Petaluma interested in understanding this vital topic from a broader perspective.