About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the LGBTQ+ movement, primarily driven by the history of the movement through various accounts and perspectives. The compelling question—What makes a movement successful?—does not address whether or not the movement was successful, but instead assesses the components of a movement and whether the movement is in a period of growth or has already peaked. Although the focus of this inquiry is on the LGBTQ+ movement, parallels can be drawn to other social movements in history with respect to organization, activism, and overall execution, including the Civil Rights Movement or the women’s suffrage and rights movements. Specifically, this inquiry looks at four different aspects that can potentially shape a movement in its foundation as well as its rise, namely public reaction, government leaders and policies, Supreme Court cases, and personal experiences. Throughout the inquiry, students will examine each individual aspect independently, evaluating the merits, strengths, and significance of each provided source in the “Movement Analysis Organization Chart,” but the summative task will require a compilation and synthesis of the sources in this investigation in order to form an argument to address the compelling question.

Compelling Question

What Makes a Movement Successful?

Staging Question

Read Changing Attitudes on Same Sex Marriage, Gay Friends and Family and discuss the LGBTQ+ movement with respect to the government and its policies on the local, state, and national levels.

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Construct an argument (i.e. essay or presentation) that addresses the compelling question, using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical and contemporary sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Participate in a Socratic Seminar about the LGBTQ+ community and movement, incorporating your personal experiences and perspective (e.g. from conversations, media, television/movies, etc.).

Taking Informed Action

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