History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture - Wisconsin Dells

This online session, designed for our Wisconsin Dells community, provides a comprehensive look into the History of Pride: Foundations of LGBT and Queer Culture. This digital event ensures you can join from the comfort of your home in Wisconsin Dells or anywhere else in the world. You will get insights on the pivotal moments, influential figures, and societal shifts that have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition. Understanding these historical roots helps us all better appreciate the present and future of the movement, both on a global scale and within our own local communities.

We will begin by exploring the world before the Stonewall Uprising, a period often overlooked but critically important. Learn about the early organizations and hidden communities, from the Mattachine Society to the Daughters of Bilitis, that laid the groundwork for future activism. This foundational history is vital for understanding the movement's origins, providing perspective that resonates from major metropolitan centers to smaller communities like Wisconsin Dells. Discover the immense 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.

The talk will then focus on the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 as a major turning point in modern LGBT history. We will examine the social and political context of the riots at the Stonewall Inn and their immediate, explosive impact on the community and the nation. This led directly to the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March, the precursor to today's Pride parades. Understand how this single event catalyzed a new era of public protest and community organizing, transforming the fight for gay rights into a visible, national movement whose effects are still felt everywhere, including here in Wisconsin.

In this detailed online presentation, 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, from the 1980s to today, and the complexities of queer culture. This includes a thoughtful overview of the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis and the community's resilient response. We will also touch upon the rise of intersectionality as a key concept for understanding diverse experiences, and the ongoing debates within the community itself. This exploration offers a clear and accessible overview for our Wisconsin Dells audience and is open to anyone interested in the topic, wherever they may be joining from online.