Michelle Sherman

Founder, Celebrate Life  LGBTQ+Youth Initiative

If I want to keep inspiring, then why not do it at home? Just like my grandma Alice, she’s here inspiring people. As I look down at my forearms I have a tattoo of a diamond design my grandmother made famous waving Navajo rugs. On the other side of my arm is the scars reminding me every day that I am still here, that I have a purpose — all our Native LGBTQ+ youth are sacred beings. 

Bry Cordell Smiley

Two-Spirit Youth Leader

Fighting for my rights & my identity has always come naturally to me. This is the reason why I want to help others find the courage to embrace their true selves & to be proud of being nádleehí.

Oriah Lee

Two-Spirit Leader & Drag Entertainer

Before Europeans came, we were considered sacred people because we had strong medicine. Because we carried the spirit of both male and female, so we were very honored along with medicine people. That tradition has disappeared because it is so Christianized here.

Mattee Jim

Diné Transgender Advocate

I am Diné first and foremost. I am of my people. A lot of our traditional teachings from precontact have been lost to westernization and Christianization. In our creation story, First Man and First Woman were at odds, causing men and women of the world to split into separate camps. The nádleehi were a third gender. It was the nádleehi who stayed with First Man, performing traditionally feminine tasks. They were essential in bridging the divide and bringing peace to the land.

Dr. Jennifer Denetdale

Chairwoman, Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission

Diné teachings tell us that both sexes are important to the survival & perpetuation of our people. At one time, our people also acknowledged a third or multiple genders in our society— who are often called the nádleehí. The imposition of modern democracy has led to our loss of memory about the inclusion of women & our LGBTQ relatives in nation-building.

Troy Williams

Executive Director, Equality Utah

If Harvey Milk were here today, he would tell us the work is not done. In fact, we may be entering into one of the most critical times of our movement because we are facing the backlash of our success. And there is a human cost. We have been dealing with obituaries of young, LGBTQ+ kids who can’t see for themselves a positive future. They look forward & they see no place for them. Harvey Milk Boulevard must be a beacon of hope for them. It’s a street, it’s a symbol. But more than that, we, all of us, me, & you & you & you, we must be a positive beacon of hope to all kids, all marginalized youth. We must show them that there is a positive future.

Sherrick Roanhorse

LGBTQ+ Advocate & former Chief of Staff, Navajo Nation

The Navajo people have a history of accepting LGBT individuals into traditional society. In the Navajo creation story, when men & women separated because of a domestic dispute, nádleeh served as caregivers to the men. Today, LGBT Navajos still serve similar functions in their families.

Eugenia Charles-Newton

Councilwoman

24th Navajo Nation Council

In Navajo, we talk about the importance of kinship because it involves love, compassion, acceptance & respect for all living beings. K’è, as I understand, is critical to preserving & maintaining our way of life. We have denied the true identities of our LGBTQ+ relatives. It is time we embrace & accept our family members for who they are & restore k’è in the hope that we all live in harmony.

Charliane Tso

Councilwoman

24th Navajo Nation Council

As one of only three women represented on the Navajo Nation Council, you will have me as a champion for our LGBTQ+ community members.  From our children to our grandparents, we are all connected. Our traditional teachings provide us guidance on how we approach difficult issues. LGBTQ+ equality means fairness & compassion for all our people, so they can be who they are - free from hatred & discrimination. 

Nathaniel Brown

Councilman

24th Navajo Nation Council

Assaults are being perpetuated towards our LGBTQ community & it often goes unreported. Navajo leadership has not addressed this issue accordingly. These problems are real. It is now time that we treat our LGBTQ family members with respect & compassion. They are our relatives & Navajo law should reflect it.