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

This online session, presented for the Selinsgrove 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 a global movement to our local context. Understand the roots of Pride to better appreciate its present and future here in Selinsgrove 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 across the country, including in smaller towns and rural areas. Discover the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous steps they took to demand visibility in a society that often preferred they remain invisible.

The talk will then focus on the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a major turning point. We will examine how this event in New York City catalyzed a new era of public protest that rippled across the nation, influencing conversations and inspiring individuals in communities like Selinsgrove. Understand how this single event transformed the fight for gay rights into a visible, national movement.

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 how these broader themes are relevant to fostering an inclusive community in Selinsgrove. This exploration of the History of Pride offers an accessible overview for anyone interested in the topic. While designed with our Selinsgrove audience in mind, we welcome attendees to join us online from anywhere in the world.