Indigenous LGBTQ+ gather in Phoenix for two-spirit powwow

By Marshall Baker
Navajo Times

PHOENIX – Many Indigenous LGBTQ+ gathered at South Mountain Community College for the Phoenix Indian Center’s 3rd Annual Two Spirit Powwow on Feb. 22, 2025.

Navajo Times | Marshall Baker
A Southern Ute brave accompanies the royalty in the grand entry after traveling from Ignacio, Colorado, to be at the two-spirit powwow.

The free event welcomed dancers, singers, vendors, and guests from all walks of life to show support and honor the two-spirit, Indigiqueer, and LGBTQ+ community. It featured a food market, dance contests for tiny tots, juniors, teens, and adults, and dance specials for two-spirit dancers. Approximately 6% of Native American and Alaska Native adults identify as LGBTQ+, according to the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, and many felt like an event like this was necessary to harbor a space for two-spirit and LGBTQ+ people to be celebrated.

The current political climate has been concerning for many LGBTQ+ across the nation, and especially for those in Indian Country. Historically, two-spirit individuals had a place in society among different tribes and communities. Although not all tribes practiced sexual orientation diversity, it is now known that gender and sexuality were viewed differently among Native American tribes before European colonialization. Some two-spirit and LGBTQ+ people still deal with stigmatization and prejudice from within their communities today, which has contributed to larger, concerning trends that are happening within Indian Country.

“As a Native person, we know that our two-spirit relatives and our queer relatives have always been here, and they’re always going to be here,” said Monica Yazzie, Miss Indigenous ASU 2024-25, and an advocate for mental wellness and higher education for youth. “As an ally, I feel like it’s important for us to be here, to show our support to their community, especially during these times when it’s very difficult for the two-spirit and queer community.”

To read the full article, please see the Feb. 27, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

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