LEADERSHIP AWARD
Naat'áanii
Dr. Naomi Baa Young is a family physician and LGBTQ+ advocate within the medical team at Tséhootsooí Medical Center in Fort Defiance, Arizona. Through her leadership alongside her colleagues of the 'Golden Ticket' program, they continue to provide valuable STI screenings and HIV diagnoses for patients on the Navajo Nation.
Dr. Young is a respected leader who has a proven record of standing up for our Indigenous transgender community.
Dr. Young grew up in the Sawmill community, located in the central part of the Navajo Nation, where she first learned the importance of health care and service. She attended the University of Arizona for her undergrad degree, for medical school, and her family medicine residency.
As a graduate of Window Rock High School, she returned in 2016 as a family physician for her community. Through her work, she has uplifted colleagues at Tséhootsooí Medical Center to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C while ensuring the LGBTQ+ community had access to PrEP clinic services. Dr. Young and her colleagues continue to be outspoken advocates for our transgender relatives and hold the Indian Health Service accountable today.
Dr. Naomi Young
Mrs. Ahsaki Chachere is the CEO and founder of Ah-Shí Beauty, the first Indigenous-owned and operated high-end beauty brand in the country. As a leader in the industry, Mrs. Chachere is a fierce ally for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and two-spirit community. Through her leadership, she has implemented an LGBTQ+ inclusive employee policy while being an outspoken champion for Diné Equality.
Mrs. Chachere grew up in Beshbetoh, Arizona, a small community in Northeastern Arizona, where she had her Kinaaldá, played high school sports, and eventually graduated from Ganado High School. It was also where she discovered her love for entrepreneurship.
Today, at 29, she’s a small business owner of Ah-Shí Beauty, Four Arrows Logistics, and Four Arrows Western Wear. Her stores are located in Gallup, New Mexico, and Window Rock, Arizona, with future locations in Texas, California, and abroad.
Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere
Mr. Nate Lemuel is a visual artist and founder of his company - Darklisted Photography - located in beautiful Shiprock, New Mexico. He recently was featured in the HBO documentary "We're Here" alongside RuPaul Drag Superstars - Bob The Drag Queen, Shangela, & Eureka - where his story inspired the Navajo Nation. Nate continues to amplify the voices and images of Queer and Gender Non-Conforming Indigenous people around the country. He is an outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate and a leader we need today.
Mr. Lemuel grew up in the Shiprock community, located in the northern part of the Navajo Nation, where he first picked up a camera at the age of 10. Since 2013, he has been involved in the art scene creating music, paintings, poetry, films, and his passion for photography.
Today, Nate is the founder of his company Darklisted Photography, served as the official photographer for Diné Pride in 2019, and was featured on HBO's documentary "We're Here" as the drag daughter of Bob the Drag Queen - Season 8 winner of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Nate Lemuel
Mr. Emerson Scott and his partner, the late Jerry Archuleta, have given much to our LGBTQ+ community through their work as advocates for young people in New Mexico and for the prevention of HIV/AIDS in our Indigenous communities. Together, they have served as youth mentors and community planners for Gallup Pride and Diné Pride. Both have stood up for marriage equality at the very beginning of the movement and made a significant impact in the lives of those they supported.
Mr. Archuleta departed this April during a tremulous time in our shared history when Sovereign Nations closed to ensure their citizens were protected against COVID-19. Through 15 years of service, Jerry and Emerson stood boldly against hate and bigotry in our Native communities.
A father, chosen or paternal, a brother, husband, and grandfather - Jerry was a trailblazer for us all.
We continue to share the deepest grief and send prayers to his beloved partner Emerson. This award recognizes the best among us and Jerry's compassion will be felt. Both have given everything to ensure no LGBTQ+ person is left behind. We will remember and honor your memory, Jerry. Just as you told us at Pride last year - "Pride is us, Pride is every day, live it."
Emerson Scott &
Jerry Archuleta
