Out + Proud Around the World and Through the Centuries

Reclaim the lost history of LGBTQ pioneers across history who lived proudly out, defying the norms of their times and societies.
About this Event

In this inspirational, historical talk, we will meet LGBTQ+ people who have stood up and stood out proudly throughout history.

We discuss the lives and achievements of pioneers who defied social conventions and expressed their own sexualities and/or genders, often at great personal cost.

We’ll meet the ancient Roman poet Catullus, who publicly made fun of Roman strictures against same-gender love.
We will learn about Magnus Hirschfeld, who founded the first LGBTQ organization in 1897 when the concept of “having a sexuality” was a new, novel idea. His institute flourished until 1933 when it was sacked by Nazi youth, leading to his eventual exile.
We will celebrate Greta Garbo, a bisexual lesbian-leaning icon who subverted the sexuality and femininity expectations of her time in life and in film.
We also discuss today’s third-gender youth in India, who are seeking a dignified way to live out their identities in a society that despises them—forgetting its own ancient traditions.
And, of course, we will discuss the fascinating, celebratory life of Oscar Wilde, the flamboyant, witty author whose eccentric lifestyle put him at odds with Victorian England.

The goal of the talk: Meet LGBTQ pioneers whose efforts to live authentically have paved the way for our community today.

About Our Presenter: Art Historian Professor Andrew Lear

A four-time winner of the Harvard Certificate for Excellence in Teaching. has taught art history and Classics at Harvard, Columbia, and NYU. Lear is the founder of , the first company to offer tours focused on LGBT history, and the winner of the Travel Industry’s 2016 Travvy Award for best-escorted tour operator, LGBT; and the Luxury Travel Guide’s 2016 LGBT Tour Operator of the Year. in 2021, Lear founded , an educational nonprofit dedicated to raising public awareness of LGBTQ histories and stories.

Cultural Zoom Tour Series Hosts:
Event Photos

Receive $200 off an LGBTQ Trip to or this fall!

“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 Out Pro when booking with Oscar Wilde Tours and receive $200 off this or another upcoming tour, in addition to any other incentives.

Can't Make The Time? Register in advance and receive access to the recording for 14 days after the live Zoom tour.