straight for equality
Talking Inclusively: April 2018

Welcome to Talking Inclusively, a monthly series designed by PFLAG National’s Straight for Equality program to create conversation about intersectionality, LGBTQ+ issues, inclusion and more! Each month we’ll offer an article on diverse topics and suggest a few questions that you can use to lead a discussion focused on how we can make space that is more welcoming to everyone.

Have feedback about how your conversation went? Run across an article you’d like us to consider? Let us know by e-mailing [email protected].

Changing Tribal Views

Source: Salt Lake City Weekly

Author: Graham Lee Brewer

Questions for Discussion:

  1. Were you aware that tribal nations could outlaw and ban same-sex marriage in their territories, putting them at odds with federal law? Based on your personal experience, what would you recommend to activists like Alray Nelson who are currently advocating for marriage equality with their tribal councils?
     
  2. What, if anything, do you know about America’s tribal nations’ traditional acceptance of LGBTQ+ members? Have you ever heard the terms two-spirit, berdache, or nadleeh used to describe individuals who identify as trans?
     
  3. How could your organization help to encourage dialogue about the experience of indigenous tribes in the US generally and the experience of LGBTQ+ tribal members more specifically? Are there books, movies, or organizations that could help you learn more or that you could recommend to others?