LA’s Legacy in AR: How Augment Your World Brings Pride’s History to Life
Pride Month in June is now a widely celebrated and anticipated time for communities worldwide, but how did this vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and activism come to be? Augment Your World answers this question through its award-winning augmented reality (AR) project, “LA’s Legacy: How Did The City Inspire June as National Pride Month?” This groundbreaking experience, led by Kyle Borg, uses cutting-edge technology to reveal the pivotal moments from the 1960s to the 1990s that shaped The Pride movement we recognize today.
Recently honored with the prestigious Cultural Heritage Prize, the project transforms the way we engage with history, making it accessible, immersive, and deeply meaningful.
An Immersive Journey Through Time
“LA’s Legacy” invites participants on an unforgettable AR journey, tracing the roots of Pride Month back to the activism and cultural shifts that emerged in Los Angeles. Through a virtual timeline rich with archival images, videos, and narratives, visitors can explore decades of milestones that collectively gave rise to modern Pride celebrations. This isn’t just a walk through history—it’s an opportunity to connect deeply with the stories of individuals and communities who fought for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition.
The timeline highlights key events, such as early protests, influential gatherings, and the cultural movements that shaped national awareness. Each moment is brought to life through vivid visuals and personal stories, underscoring Los Angeles’s pivotal role in the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights on both a national and global scale.
Innovative Technology Meets Cultural Heritage
At the heart of the experience is 8th Wall’s Visual Positioning System (VPS), which allows “LA’s Legacy” to transcend traditional geographic boundaries. Unlike static exhibits, this AR experience can be projected onto public or private VPS Wayspots anywhere in the United States. Whether it’s displayed in bustling city squares or intimate community venues, this versatility ensures that the project’s powerful narrative reaches audiences far and wide.
AR experiences like “LA’s Legacy” are particularly impactful because they bring stories and entertainment to those who may not have access to museums or other cultural events. By breaking down geographic and financial barriers, augmented reality ensures that learning and inspiration are not limited to those in major cities or with the resources to visit curated exhibitions.
This ethos is central to Augment Your World’s mission: creating informational AR experiences that prioritize accessibility for everyone. By blending cutting-edge technology with cultural storytelling, the company opens the door to shared moments of discovery for people from all walks of life.
By facilitating communal exploration, “LA’s Legacy” transforms history into a shared experience. Multiple participants can engage with the timeline simultaneously, fostering a sense of connection and collective discovery. The linear presentation style ensures that every viewer can follow along seamlessly, promoting understanding and dialogue about LGBTQ+ history.
Award-Winning Excellence
This innovative project earned Augment Your World the Cultural Heritage Prize, a testament to its visionary approach to storytelling and technology. By utilizing AR to highlight Los Angeles’s critical role in Pride’s origins, the project creates a space where education and connection flourish. Its ability to adapt to various locations makes it a model for how technology can democratize access to cultural heritage.
Why “LA’s Legacy” Matters
Pride Month is more than a celebration; it’s a reflection of the decades of activism and resilience that paved the way for today’s LGBTQ+ rights. “LA’s Legacy” serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs that shaped the movement, anchoring the festivities in a rich historical context.
This project doesn’t just preserve history; it brings it into the present, allowing communities across the country to engage with stories that resonate on a deeply personal and collective level. By making these narratives accessible to everyone, Augment Your World is ensuring that the legacy of Pride continues to inspire future generations.
Whether experienced in the vibrant streets of West Hollywood or projected onto a historic building in a small-town square, “LA’s Legacy” invites us all to learn, connect, and celebrate the journey that led to the Pride Month we honor today.
