Press Release: Queer History Part 2 – Stonewall and Beyond
Sunday, November 23 from Noon – 2 PM
In our time, it may seem like gender and romantic diversity is springing up everywhere, with new ways of expressing and experiencing the self and relationships leading to new revisions of the “2SLGBTQ+” acronym and rainbow flags each year. But in every time and place in history, there have been people who lived outside of the usual expectations for their gender, or who were romantically attracted to people of their own gender. Some societies have accepted, even revered gender and romantic diversity; others have tried to repress it. In modern times, each generation of 2SLGBTQ+ people have revised and redefined what it means to be gender-and-romance rebels. Broadly referred to as the Queer community, these folk have been incredibly influential in the arts, in law, and in broader cultural life over the past century. As they have won the rights and the means to live openly and safely, a rich historical record has emerged of a community in constant change.
Dr. Serena Patterson is an adult educator and psychologist with an amateur’s passion for Queer History. In May, Comox United Church’s Affirm Committee hosted a presentation by Dr. Patterson titled Queer History Part 1: Antiquity to Stonewall. Attendees learned about gender and romantic diversity expressed across time, place, and culture, and identified by many labels and expressions. Although sometimes hidden, the histories of LGBTIQ and 2-spirit peoples show both continuity and change; “we’ve always been here,” and “we create many ways of living, and of naming ourselves.”
Dr. Patterson is returning with Queer History, Part 2: Stonewall and Beyond. In this presentation, focusing on the last 60 years of 2SLGBTQ+ history, those attending will learn about the dramatic, global struggles for human rights and dignity, the many social and political backlashes, and the explosion of popular and artistic expression that have characterized the rise of the modern Pride movement. Challenges from within and from outside of the Queer community will also be explored, as we look to the recent past to help us understand and face the present moment. There will be a brief time for questions and discussion.
This is a free community event, including a light lunch, on Sunday, November 23 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the lower level of Comox United Church. Space and lunch are limited, so please register through Eventbrite to reserve your lunch and place. When ordering your tickets through Eventbrite please note your lunch preference (vegetarian/omnivore) so we can have the right food ready for you.
Eventbrite link for tickets: eventbrite.ca/e/queer-history-part-2-stonewall-and-beyond-tickets-1849728239959?aff=oddtdtcreator
This is a project of the Affirming Committee of Comox United Church and even though it is being offered on-site, at the church, it will be a safe event for those who have previously been damaged by religiously led attacks on their identities. There will be no proselytizing or evangelizing permitted, or carried out, at our events. All are affirmed, wherever they may be on their journey.
For further information: Bruce Curtis 250-339-5497 or bwcurtis@shaw.ca
Rev. Karen Hollis 250-339-3966 or revkarenhollis@gmail.com