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

This online session, designed for the Simcoe 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. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future, both globally and in our local context. While created with Simcoe in mind, this digital event is accessible to anyone interested, no matter where you are.

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, a reality experienced in communities large and small.

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, leading to the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March. Understand how this single event catalyzed a new era of public protest, sending ripples across the world that would eventually influence activism in Canada and communities like Simcoe.

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 the ongoing debates within the community, considering how these broad themes apply to local experiences. This exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone joining us online.