In other tribes, LGBTQ people had no special status and were ridiculed. Their status among their people came from their dreams, visions, and accomplishments that revealed them as healers and societal or ceremonial leaders. In some tribes and First Nations, stories are passed down of individuals who had special standing because they were LGBTQ. Similarly, there are many differences in how Indigenous communities and tribes saw or responded to gender variance. Many tribal languages include specific vocabulary to refer to gender identities beyond male and female others do not, or those terms have been lost. Native nations are similar to other world populations in the demographic representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. As part of our observance this year, the National Museum of the American Indian invited Native friends to share what they understand about how LGBTQ people were regarded in their traditional culture. June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month in the United States. (Courtesy of Adrian Stevens, used with permission) Adrian Stevens (Ute/Shoshone–Bannock/San Carlos Apache) and Sean Snyder (Dine/Ute), a couple who regularly participate in powwows.
