About Us

At Flagstaff Pride, we are committed to honoring the diversity and inclusivity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, with a special focus on Indigenous voices. By placing “2S” (Two-Spirit) at the forefront of the acronym, we aim to elevate the importance of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to our movement. The term “Two-Spirit” holds deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for many Indigenous peoples, including the Diné (Navajo), Hopi, Hualapai, Havasupai, and other nations that have long called the Flagstaff region home.

Two-Spirit refers to individuals who embody both masculine and feminine qualities, or who fulfill a unique spiritual role within their communities. Historically, Two-Spirit people have held honored positions in Indigenous societies, yet colonization led to the marginalization and erasure of their identities. By placing “2S” first in 2SLGBTQIA+, we aim to correct this history of erasure and highlight the resilience and importance of Two-Spirit people, particularly within the Indigenous communities surrounding Flagstaff and across Turtle Island (North America).

The full acronym—2SLGBTQIA+—represents the diverse spectrum of identities within our community:

• 2S: Two-Spirit, a term used by some Indigenous peoples to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities or fulfills a specific spiritual role.
• L: Lesbian, referring to women who are romantically or sexually attracted to other women.
• G: Gay, typically used to describe men who are romantically or sexually attracted to other men, but also used more broadly to include anyone attracted to the same gender.
• B: Bisexual, referring to people who are romantically or sexually attracted to more than one gender.
• T: Transgender, describing individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Q: Queer, an umbrella term for those who don’t identify within traditional labels of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• I: Intersex, referring to people born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female.
• A: Asexual, describing individuals who experience little or no sexual attraction to others.
• +: The plus symbol represents the many other identities not explicitly listed but equally part of our community.

By using this full acronym and placing “2S” first, we acknowledge the importance of Indigenous peoples, particularly those from the Diné (Navajo), Hopi, Hualapai, and Havasupai nations, who have long been part of the fabric of our local community. Our decision reflects a deep respect for Indigenous traditions and is a step toward addressing historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, including those with Two-Spirit identities.

At Flagstaff Pride, we believe that true inclusivity requires lifting up all voices, especially those from communities that have often been left behind. We stand in solidarity with our Two-Spirit and Indigenous relatives as we work together to create a space of understanding, respect, and unity for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

In Pride and Solidarity,
Flagstaff Pride