Homophobia and Transphobia as a Social Issues

As a consequence of outside influence, homophobia and transphobia have skyrocketed within the last century, resulting in an alarming increase in domestic abuse and sexual assault towards Indigenous Americans. Despite the recent inclusion of Two-Spirit in the LGBTQ+ community, the term describes Native peoples who identified more with practices frequently dominated by the opposite gender. Before Indigenous culture was plagued with European bias, those who identified as Two-Spirit were held in high regard - they were viewed as a gift within local families. In point of fact,  Duane Brayboy argues Indigenous Americans were judged based upon their contributions to their nation rather than their sexual orientation or gender identity (Brayboy). Unfortunately, starting as early as the 1500s, foreigners began to make connections with Native Americans. In turn, bias seeped its way into Indigenous culture. Transphobic and homophobic explorers wrote about men dressed in female clothing and "sinful" lesbian relationships; the travelers demanded they conform to traditional gender roles. However, in recent attempts to fight homophobia, Indigenous tribes, such as the Navajo and Lakota, are reclaiming and embracing their old traditions regarding gender and sexuality.

Due to homophobia caused by foreign prejudice, LGBTQ+ Native Americans are increasingly experiencing physical and verbal violence, even within their own homes. In a study conducted by the Sovereign Bodies Institute and the California Rural Indian Health Board, 60% of participants had experienced domestic abuse; almost every respondent had been a victim of sexual molestation. Both homophobic and racial stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community are the leading causes for corrupt acts of brutality. According to Hallie Golden, a frequent writer for The Guardian, "...nearly 90% [of Indigenous Americans] have experienced two or more forms of violence" (Golden). As a case in point, Poe Jackson, a Native American who was a friend of many two-spirited people, was found dead in the Coachella Canal - it was classified as a homicide. Heteropatriarchal ideals bedevil the tradition of Two-Spirit and the widespread belief of acceptance and respect. Within reservations, Indigenous American children in the LGBTQ+ community fear assault due to their gender identity and sexual orientation. Kay Kisto, a Native American raised on the Gila River Indian Reservation, grew up in fear of harassment due to her transgender status. Parents of these children frequently experience torment from neighbors as "[the] community is marginalized and stigmatized and harassed" (qtd. in Davis-Young). Despite the prejudice and homophobia running rampant within Indigenous communities, LGBTQ+ Native Americans are beginning to take action against bigotry and homophobia through social movements and peaceful protest.

Although prejudice is still prevalent among Indigenous families, social gatherings are beginning to bring hope into the lives of Native minorities. In a survey performed in 2015, the results showed that most LGBTQ+ Indigenous children are turned away by their families - more so than any other race. A lack of proper education about their history regarding traditions such as Two-Spirit is a leading cause for the disproportionate amount of ignorance in these communities today. Lopez, who was raised near the Navajo Nation Reservation, had three of her children come out as gay - it was only after that she learned about the multiple different genders and sexual orientations the Navajo tribe was once involved with (Davis-Young). On March 9th in Phoenix, Arizona, a Powwow organized by Lopez took place to celebrate Two-Spirit. However, the main purpose of this event was to aid in the erasure of damaging stereotypes surrounding the Indigenous American LGBTQ+ community. Previously, this form of celebration separated male and female participants. However, the Arizona Powwow abolished the divisions between the different genders and allowed all to attend. In addition to Arizona, California is no stranger to Two-Spirit, as they have held over eight Powwows celebrating the old tradition. Social movements are increasingly becoming a form of peaceful protest - a way for Native Americans to challenge the "rigid ideas of gender and sexuality [of which] are unfortunate remnants of colonization" (Davis-Young). Through social movements and celebrations, Indigenous American communities such as the Navajo and Lakota are combating harmful standards within the LGBTQ+ community.

As a consequence of homophobic ideals implanted into their culture, transgender Native Americans are combating negative stereotypes by revitalizing the traditions of their past. As a result of foreign influences, homophobia and transphobia have been pervasive issues within Native American communities; the Lakota and Navajo. Traditions such as Two-Spirit have been forgotten due to European bias, which in turn has destroyed the once accepting and liberal nature of Indigenous culture. In the modern era, transgender Native Americans are progressively experiencing physical and verbal violence, including sexual assault, domestic abuse, and murder. However, through social movements and Powwows, Indigenous minorities are fighting against ignorance by reminding others of their history through forgotten practices.