Rapheal Begay

DINÉ PRIDE

Co-founded in 2017, Diné Pride is a grassroots organization that honors and celebrates Two Spirit-LGBTQ+ relatives on and off the Navajo reservation. As an annual event, Diné Pride also provides a safe and inclusive space for all while reaffirming the sacred identities of the Indigenous, Queer community it serves. By reintroducing traditional knowledge and teachings, Diné Pride intends to challenge heteronormativity and heteropatriarchy within the reservation and surrounding area. In an ongoing effort to revitalize our place within Navajo society, we are creating dialogue and change at the benefit of our shared future. As the beginning of a new decade, the annual event intends to build upon a foundation that centers on love and acceptance as both revelation and revolution.

Diné Pride 2019   |   Sacredness Before Stonewall

June 28-29, 2019 - Window Rock, AZ

A two-day event complete with a Symposium, Welcome Reception & Showcase, AM Color Run/Walk, and festival featuring various drag performers, keynote speakers, and community awards/recognitions.

All photographs by Nate Lemuel of Darklisted Photography.

Big Thoughts from Queer and Lesbian Diné Women; moderated by Keoshiah Peter featuring Kimberly Lee, Hannabah Blue, Ann Begay, Dannise Benally, and Jolene Yazzie.

Sovereign Nations: LGBTQ in Leadership featuring Christopher Hudson, Arizona State Representative Arlando Teller, and Honorable Council Delegate Nathaniel Brown.

Miss Navajo Nation Autumn Montoya and Miss Lil Na'Neelzhiin Wolfpup Princess at the Welcome Reception & Queer Showcase.

The Blackout Girls, of Albuquerque, NM, perform for an enthusiastic crowd in front of the Navajo Nation Council Chambers.

Hostess & Panda Extraordinaire, Mattee Jim.

Sister Navi Ho performs her number below the Rainbow Pride flag in front of an eager crowd.

Moments after the Welcome Reception & Queer Showcase, the crowd gathers round for the historic Rainbow Lighting of the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, AZ.

Color Run/Walk

Mattee Jim, hostess and Diné Pride Champion, poses in front of the Window Rock monument at the Veteran's Memorial Park during the 2019 Diné Pride Festival.

Tyson King poses at the commemorative Diné Pride Photo Booth operated by Darklisted Photography.

Ryannen Ahasteen poses with a 'We Are Sacred' sign at the base of the Window Rock monument.

Snow Otero, Miss Southwest Two-Spirit 2019, poses with Miss Lil Na'Neelzhiin Wolfpup Princess.

Adorned in a white ensemble complete with rainbow trimmings, LGBTQ+ Youth Speaker, Francis Geronimo Louie, twirls backstage at the conclusion of the day-long event.


Diné Pride 2018   |   Diyinigo ‘Adaanitsííkéés | We Are Sacred

June 29-20, 2018 - Window Rock, AZ

A two-day event complete with a symposium, LGBTQ Community Listening Session, Film Screening of "Moroni for President", and festival featuring various drag performers, keynote speakers, and community awards/recognitions.


Left to right: Navajo Women's Commission (Charlotte Begay, Vivian Arviso, Ramona Begay) and Moroni Benally receive testimonies during the LGBTQ Community Listening Session. 

Trudie Jackson, Diné trans scholar, provides her testimony and words of advocacy on behalf of Diné trans relatives from the Navajo Nation. 

Sister Navi Ho & the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Tomahawk Martini, founder of the Blackout Girls, lip-syncs into the camera while collecting tips from the audience. 

Diné Pride 2018 Collaborative Photobooth by Nate Lemuel of Darklisted Photography & Hannah Manuelito

Drag Performer

Hannah Manuelito & Ryan Dennison

Truly a historic moment as one is able to point out both the waving Trans and Pride flags above the Capitol of the Navajo Nation.

Stage detail: segment of the Rainbow Balloon arch that framed the stage of the 2018 Diné Pride Festival. 

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