Are all Pride events flashy parades? How has the Pride movement changed over the years? Use this discussion guide to learn and think about the different ways Pride is celebrated by watching videos of Pride marches from the 70s and now.

First, watch the video of the Pride march from the 1970s and then watch the 2011 NYC Pride march. Use the discussion questions to reflect on both videos. You may want to go back to certain scenes throughout the discussion.

Click here to watch a video of a Pride march that took place in Chicago during the 1970s.

Click here to watch a video of the 2011 Pride march in New York City. (Hint: Remember that in 2011 Gay marriage had just been legalized in New York State.)

Discussion Questions

1. In the video from the 70s at 6:27, a onlooker says, “We want to say we think it’s beautiful that people stand up for their human rights whether they’re black or gay or yellow or crippled, you know? They are just as deserving of civil rights as any other group.” LGBT civil rights have come a long way since the 1970s. Do you think that Pride today is different than it was in the 1970s? If so, how?
2. There are instances throughout the 1970s video where onlookers are supportive of the march, while others are not. Did you notice that the attitudes of the people watching the march in 2011 were different than those watching in the 70s? If so, give examples.
3. Should use Pride to celebrate or to protest inequalities the LGBT community still faces? Do you think that the legalization of gay marriage in New York was cause for celebration at the 2011 march? Why or why not?
4. Do you think the participants in the 70s march were more focused on gaining visibility and fighting for civil rights than the participants in 2011? Why or why not?
5. What is different and what is similar about the two marches?