The largest Indigenous LGBTQ+ Pride in the country has just announced its 2019 Champions. In the capitol of the Navajo Nation - Window Rock, Arizona - Diné Pride and Diné Equality have selected a international leader for Two-Spirit rights, a world-renowned Diné ballet dancer, the first trans woman to run for Navajo Nation President, and the first Indigenous lesbian women elected to the United States Congress as its 2019 Champions.
Our champions embody Diné Pride and through their leadership continue to be the change we need in our community. Mattee and Trudie have paved the way for so many LGBTQ+ youth to be who they are. Jock is an amazing mentor who is inspiring the next generation of Indigenous artists. And Sharice is paving a path for the next Native leader in American politics. All have inspiring stories that we need to hear and share.
- Alray Nelson, Chief Operating Officer
The following have been selected as 2019 Champions and will be honored in a ceremony at Diné Pride: Trudie Jackson, a UNM doctoral student and the first trans woman to run for Navajo Nation President. Mattee Jim, a lifelong health advocate at First Nations Community Health Source in Albuquerque, NM, and a beloved Two-Spirit leader. Jock Soto, a world-renowned dancer for the New York Ballet Company and a LGBTQ+ youth mentor. And Congresswoman Sharice Davids, the first lesbian Native American woman elected to the United States Congress.
Using the sacredness of Diné principles and the history of our people, the 2019 Diyin ‘Adánitsiiskees event will highlight many social and educational disparities that affect our LGBTQ+ relatives today. Far too long, Western enculturation has distorted identity and the existence of our LGBTQ+ relatives amongst the Diné people. Our Champions have changed the narrative that we are all sacred and our teachings are non-discriminatory.
- Andy Nez, Pride Executive Director
Meet Our Champions: https://www.navajonationpride.com/ourchampions