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

This online session, designed for the Raleigh 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, connecting global movements to our local context. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future here in North Carolina and beyond.

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, setting a precedent for communities everywhere, including Raleigh.

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 how their impact catalyzed a new era of public protest and community organizing that rippled across the nation, inspiring the first Pride marches far from New York 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 ongoing legislative battles that have a direct impact on communities like ours in Raleigh. This exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers an accessible overview for anyone interested, whether you are joining us from Raleigh or anywhere else in the world.