History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture - Wichita Falls

This online session, designed for the Wichita Falls 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 have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality, understanding this global history from a local perspective. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future here in Wichita Falls 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 nation. 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, even in places like North Texas.

The talk will then focus on the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a major turning point. We will examine how the riots and their immediate impact in New York catalyzed a new era of public protest that eventually inspired communities everywhere, including Wichita Falls. 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, connecting these broad themes to the ongoing journey for acceptance in our own communities. This exploration of the History of Pride offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone interested. While created with Wichita Falls in mind, this virtual event is open to anyone, anywhere, who wishes to learn.