The Puyallup Tribal Council has proclaimed the month of July of every year as Pride Month “in celebration and appreciation of the great diversity added by our LGBTQIA2 members, families and staff.”
It also approved a $25,000 contribution to support this year’s Tacoma Pride festival and announced a Puyallup Tribe Pride flag will be raised July 14 at Tribal Administration, 3009 Portland Ave. E.
The actions come five years after the Council recognized same-sex unions under the Puyallup Tribe’s laws. This year is also the 50th anniversary of theStonewall uprising against police repression, which was a key turning point in the struggle for LGBT rights in the United States.
“Our people have long been known for being generous and welcoming, and Council’s resolution is a clear affirmation that we are welcoming to all people – in the past, today, and in the future,” said Tribal Council Chairman David Z. Bean.
The resolution notes that before the colonization of America, tribal nations had long histories of inclusion of those who in 2019 might be described as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. For the sake of inclusion, the Tribe’s resolution uses the acronym LGBTQIA2, which includes “Queer/Questioning,” “Asexual” and “2/Two-Spirit.” Councilmember Annette Bryan said inclusion is important to the Tribe.
“I am proud to be part of a Tribal Council that recognizes and loves all of its citizens,” Bryan said. “We are making it very clear that we are accepting all walks of life, and encourage others to be accepting as well. Being inclusive is who we are as Puyallup people.”
The resolution also calls out a history of discrimination, inequality and violence toward people in the LGBTQIA2 community. It specifically recognized the bullying of LGBTQIA2 youth and pointed to higher rates of truancy, incarceration and self-harm.
“We want to make sure young ones have a voice and support,” Bean said. “Our community wants to be here for you.”
About the Puyallup Tribe of Indians
The Puyallup People have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound for thousands of years. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a sovereign nation of more than 5,000 members and one of the largest employers in Pierce County. It serves its people and neighbors with generosity and is committed to building a sustainable way of life for future generations. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribe.
About the Puyallup Tribal Council
The Puyallup Tribal Council is the elected governing body of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The council consists of Chairman David Z. Bean, Vice Chairman Bill Sterud, Sylvia Miller, Annette Bryan, Tim Reynon, James Rideout and Georgianna Bean.
Contact
Michael Thompson, Communications Director, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, (253) 382-6200; Michael.Thompson@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov
