In the summer of 2015, an 8-year-old Choctaw child named Twelve participated in their first Two-Spirit LGBTQ Pride parade, a celebration of Native people who recognize a male and female spirit within them. This event marked a step towards acceptance for Oklahoma’s Indigenous queer community. However, nine years later, the state has introduced over 50 bills targeting LGBTQ individuals, including bans on gender-affirming health care and penalties for public school employees asking students for their pronouns. The community is still reeling from the death of Nex Benedict, a transgender student who faced bullying over their gender identity.
Twelve is now a member of Cousins, a group that offers sanctuary for queer Indigenous youth in the face of increasing anti-LGBTQ hostility. Cousins provides a safe space through outdoor activities, trips, theater shows, counseling, group talks, and mentor pairing. The group aims to cultivate a supportive community for youth who need it. Founded by Sarah Adams and Kendra Wilson Clements, both Choctaw and Two-Spirit, the organization was created in response to the lack of support systems for queer Indigenous youth in Oklahoma amidst a wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation.
Cousins aims to provide mentorship and advocacy for queer Indigenous youth, helping them feel strong, inspired, visible, and proud of their identities. Through word of mouth, the group has grown to include over a dozen youth from various tribes who participate in activities such as hiking and self-defense classes. The community was shocked by Benedict’s death, leading to increased awareness of discrimination in schools. Cousins members express concerns about their safety and lack of confidence in the public school system post-Benedict’s tragic passing.
In response to safety concerns, Cousins brought in a grief counselor to help youth recognize and cope with grief following Benedict’s death. The group aims to help its members through challenging moments and loss, viewing Benedict as a relative of the community. In an effort to expand their support network, Cousins has made some events inclusive to all LGBTQ youth in the state, not just Indigenous individuals. They recently participated in a Two-Spirit Powwow in San Francisco, offering a supportive and affirming experience for the diverse community.
Auntie Sage, a youth leader at Cousins, is dedicated to providing environments where 2SLGBTQ youth can see possibilities and take pride in their identities, away from spaces that exclude them. The group will continue to host open conversations, expand its services, and counsel queer Indigenous youth and others amidst rising tensions in schools and opposition to LGBTQ events in the state. The end goal is to break the cycle of discrimination and teach children about acceptance and understanding differences.
