Navajo Student to be honored with prestigious Diné Pride LGBTQ+ Scholarship

For the first time in Indian Country, during the largest Indigenous Pride hosted by the Navajo Nation, Diné Pride is honored to announce Mr. Adam Pettigrew as the recipient of the prestigious Diyingo ‘Adaanitsiiskéés LGBTQ+ Scholarship. He proudly calls Shiprock, New Mexico, home and will be attending Fort Lewis College this fall semester.

Adam is the founder of Chieftain Pride, the first LGBTQ+ student club at Shiprock High School, and credits the creation of the organization to his brave teacher, Mrs. Andrea Evans.

I am thrilled for this scholarship and thank Diné Pride. The Navajo Nation is my community and Shiprock is my home. I’ve been here all my life and my goal is to return with a college education so I can give back to our LGBTQ+ youth. Growing up, high school was hard because I struggled with who I was. After I accepted myself, it was clearer that we needed an inclusive space for our LGBTQ+ students. Chieftain Pride is about our strength and how to keep us together. We should all be proud to be who we are without fear.

- Adam Pettigrew, Student Leader

The Navajo Nation gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit community will honor Indigenous LGBTQ+ leaders around the country this weekend in Window Rock, Arizona. Adam will provide remarks and accept his scholarship on the steps of the Council Chambers during a Welcome Reception hosted by the 24th Navajo Nation Council on Friday, June 28, 2019, at 7:00 PM.