Out + Proud Around the World and Through the Centuries

Sun, Jul 26 • 2:00 PM

Reclaim the history of LGBTQ pioneers who lived proudly out, defying the norms of their times and societies. Part of a recurring series.

Can't Make The Time? Register in advance and receive access to the recording for 14 days after the live Zoom tour. All advance registrants will receive an email after the live event that will include the link for the recording.

Meet LGBTQ+ people who have stood up and stood out proudly throughout history.

Join us for a fascinating journey through queer history as we celebrate the pioneers who defied convention to live authentically—often at great personal risk.

In this engaging and eye-opening talk, you’ll discover remarkable LGBTQ figures and allies whose courage helped shape history across cultures and generations, including:

The elite fighting force of Classical Greece whose bond was rooted in love
The devoted companion buried alongside Oscar Wilde
The nonbinary minister who became a hero of the American Revolution
The long-suppressed gay story of Germany’s most celebrated anti-Nazi resistance leader
The African-American, gay activist who introduced Martin Luther King Jr. to the philosophy of nonviolence
The founders of America’s earliest gay and lesbian rights organizations
Influential allies, including Dorothy Parker, Charles Aznavour, and many more

Through powerful stories of resilience, creativity, and resistance, this program explores how LGBTQ people throughout history changed the world simply by being themselves—and how their legacies continue to inspire pride today.

Celebrate the courage, creativity, and resilience of LGBTQ+ people through the ages—and discover how their stories continue to inspire pride today.

About Our Presenter: Art Historian Professor Andrew Lear

Andrew Lear is an art historian and a five-time recipient of the Harvard Certificate for Excellence in Teaching. He has taught art history and Classics at Harvard University, Columbia University, Pomona College, and New York University.

Professor Lear is also the founder of Oscar Wilde Tours, the first tour company dedicated to LGBTQ history. His work has earned numerous honors, including the 2016 Travvy Award for Best Escorted Tour Operator (LGBT), Luxury Travel Guide’s LGBT Tour Operator of the Year, and GayCities’ 2025 Gold Award for Best Tour Operator. He is currently collaborating with Stephen Fry and Tan France on an upcoming television series on LGBTQ+ history titled Straightwashed.

Cultural Zoom Tour Series Hosts:

Receive $300 off an LGBTQ History Trip!

“It was one of the best trips we have ever taken. Professor Lear is knowledgeable, personable, and funny, and his explanations cover a wide range of topics, including things that get left out in most tours.” — Bennet Marks

Mention OutPro when booking with Oscar Wilde Tours.

Out Professionals is a 501(c)(7) nonprofit social organization in the USA. • EIN 13-3918457

OutProEd (Out Professionals Educational Foundation, Inc) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit. • EIN 87-3853989 • Donations are tax-deductible.