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

This online session, specially curated for our Winters community, provides a comprehensive look into the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture. You will get insights on the pivotal moments, influential figures, and societal shifts that have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality. Understand the roots of the movement to better appreciate its present and future. While designed with our Winters audience in mind, this digital talk is accessible to anyone interested globally.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising, considering what life was like for LGBT individuals in communities large and small. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities that laid the groundwork for future activism. Discover the challenges faced and the courageous first steps taken to demand visibility and rights 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 their immediate impact, leading to the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March. Understand how this single event catalyzed a new era of protest and organizing, influencing pride celebrations from major cities to smaller communities like Winters.

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, touching upon topics relevant everywhere, including Winters. This includes an overview of the impact of the AIDS crisis, the rise of intersectionality, and the ongoing debates within the community. This exploration of the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture offers a clear and accessible overview for anyone joining our online session.