Throughout June, CUNY students were invited to participate in a special three-part virtual series exploring LGBTQ+ culture, history, and storytelling from around the world. Presented by Oscar Wilde Tours, each session offered an engaging look at queer heritage through art, tradition, and influential figures.
June 11 – India and Japan: Two Asian Countries and Their LGBTQ+ Traditions
Participants explored the rich queer histories embedded within two distinct Asian cultures. The session highlighted ancient texts, traditional narratives, and contemporary movements, illustrating how LGBTQ+ identities have been expressed and understood across time.
June 12 – The LGBTQ+ Secrets of the Metropolitan Museum
This event uncovered the lesser-known LGBTQ+ stories behind iconic artworks housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students learned about queer themes represented in ancient Greek sculpture, Renaissance portraiture, and modern art, including nuanced interpretations of figures like Gertrude Stein.
June 18 – The LGBTQ+ Secrets of Paris’ Père Lachaise Cemetery
Attendees took a virtual journey through Paris’ famed Père Lachaise Cemetery, exploring the lives and legacies of queer cultural figures such as Oscar Wilde and Gertrude Stein. The presentation highlighted their contributions to literature, art, and LGBTQ+ history.
All three events were free, virtual, and open to CUNY students, offering a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Pride Month through global perspectives on queer identity and culture.
This event was made possible through generous funding from the NYC City Council Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Caucus and the Office of the Mayor, and was supported by the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives.
This looks so cool! Sad to have missed it, but excited to see an archive of cool events coming together here 🙂