Jun 2019 21
Join us at our information booth at DINÉ PRIDE Festival on Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 11pm – 4pm at the Window Rock Veterans Memorial Park. We want to show support to our Two Spirited relatives and friends and provide resources to anyone who struggles with self-esteem or who is facing social hardships. Two Spirit is an umbrella English language term that refers to non-binary gender identities frequently left out of mainstream Pride observances.
Within tribal communiites, family is important and within most Native families, we know someone who is Two Sprited, lesbian, gay, bisexxual, or transgender, too often, rejection of Two Spirit/LGBT community members by families, peers, and the community breaks apart and tears at the social fabric of our community, according to the Native American Program of Legal Aid Services of Oregon.
70 % of LGBTQ young people have been verbally harassed or threatened. About 16% have been physically attacked. Nearly 50% have been bullied via text message, email, instant messages or on the Internet. Being a victim of bullying or violence can lead to other problems, such as having trouble in school, alcohol or other drug abuse, depression and suicide. We can all do something to STOP the bullying and violence!
Community is the healer that breaks the silence, if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide contact the local PD WR Dispatch 928-871-6112/6111 they will contact the Fort Defiance Crisis Response Team, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK, contact Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.