History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture - St. Joseph

This special online session, designed for the St. Joseph 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 influential figures that shaped the ongoing struggle for equality, connecting this global movement to our local context. Understand the roots of Pride to better appreciate its present and future here in St. Joseph 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 will consider the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and the courageous first steps they took to demand visibility in a society that often preferred they remain invisible, even in places like Missouri.

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, transforming the fight for gay rights into a visible, national movement whose impact was eventually felt in communities everywhere, including St. Joseph.

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. While this exploration of the History of Pride is presented with our St. Joseph community in mind, we welcome attendees from anywhere in the world to join us online for this important discussion.