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

This online session, designed for the Sherman community, provides a comprehensive look into the 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, with a perspective relevant to our community. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future right here in Sherman 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. We'll discuss the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous steps they took for visibility in a society that preferred they remain invisible, a context that existed in towns like Sherman as much as in big cities.

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 and community organizing. Understand how this event's ripples eventually reached and inspired communities everywhere, transforming 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 and the rise of intersectionality. This exploration of the History of Pride offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone interested in the topic. While this discussion is curated with our Sherman audience in mind, we welcome attendees to join us online from anywhere in the world.