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

This online session, designed for the Salisbury 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, with reflections relevant to our own community here in Salisbury. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future.

From the comfort of your Salisbury home, 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. We'll discover the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility, a story that has echoes in communities large and small, including our own.

This online 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. Understand how this single event catalyzed a new era of community organizing, transforming the fight for gay rights into a visible, national movement that eventually inspired Pride celebrations like those seen near Salisbury.

In this digital session for Salisbury, 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 and the rise of intersectionality. While this exploration of the foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture is curated with the Salisbury community in mind, it offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone interested in the topic, and we welcome attendees joining us online from anywhere in the world.