History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture - Thunder Bay

Join us online from Thunder Bay for a session exploring the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture. This digital talk offers insights into the pivotal moments and societal shifts that have shaped the struggle for equality, providing context for the vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community here in Thunder Bay. While designed with our local community in mind, this online event is accessible to anyone interested, globally.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising, setting the stage for the activism that would eventually reach communities like ours in Thunder Bay. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities that laid the groundwork for the future. We'll discover 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.

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 understand how this single event catalyzed a new era of public protest. This transformation of the fight for gay rights into a visible movement had ripple effects across North America, inspiring the community organizing that would later take root here in Thunder Bay.

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 that shape our community, both globally and locally. This exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone interested in understanding this vital history.