In other tribes, LGBTQ people had no special status and were ridiculed. Their status among their people came from their dreams, visions, and accomplishments that revealed them as healers and societal or ceremonial leaders. In some tribes and First Nations, stories are passed down of individuals who had special standing because they were LGBTQ. Similarly, there are many differences in how Indigenous communities and tribes saw or responded to gender variance. Many tribal languages include specific vocabulary to refer to gender identities beyond male and female others do not, or those terms have been lost. Native nations are similar to other world populations in the demographic representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. As part of our observance this year, the National Museum of the American Indian invited Native friends to share what they understand about how LGBTQ people were regarded in their traditional culture. June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month in the United States. (Courtesy of Adrian Stevens, used with permission) And thank you, all, for your efforts to authentically live and demonstrate our institutional values of equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning.Adrian Stevens (Ute/Shoshone–Bannock/San Carlos Apache) and Sean Snyder (Dine/Ute), a couple who regularly participate in powwows. Let me close by again acknowledging our LGBTQIA2S+ students, alumni, and colleagues.
That the liberal arts push us to understand intersections between various movements and historical moments. That achieving systemic change and social justice are part of our academic and public mission. I have said before that the fights of many for equity and inclusion are ongoing. Assistant Director for Student Life and LGBTQIA2S+ Programs Adrienne Conley shared a more detailed history in their June 15 email to campus, and I encourage you to read it if you haven’t already. This week marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which catalyzed a more widespread effort toward LGBTQ rights in our country at the forefront of this effort were, and continue to be, trans women of color.
Pride began with an uprising, a riotous rejection of oppression and intolerance, not unlike those that have played out around our country over the last several weeks. The following message was sent to students, staff, and faculty on June 30, 2020:Īs we come to the end of June, let us take this moment to acknowledge Pride Month: a time to celebrate progress and inclusion, to affirm members of our LGBTQIA2S+ community, and to come together in honor of those who have given everything for this celebration and all that it connotes and means.