This online session, designed for our San Diego community, provides a comprehensive look into the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture. You will get insights on the pivotal moments that shaped the ongoing struggle for equality, both nationally and here in Southern California. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future in our city.
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, including those that paved the way for San Diego's own community leaders. Discover the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took toward visibility.
The talk will then focus on the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a major turning point. We will examine how this single event catalyzed a new era of public protest, leading to the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March and inspiring early organizers to establish San Diego's first Pride march in 1975.
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 protest to a global celebration, including San Diego's own journey.
- 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, touching on the impact of the AIDS crisis and the rise of vibrant community centers like those found in Hillcrest. This exploration of the History of Pride offers a clear overview for anyone interested. While this talk is framed for San Diego, we welcome attendees from anywhere in the world to join us online.
