How does health equity affect Indigenous two-spirit, trans, and queer 2SLGBTQ+ relatives?
Lady Shug, an Indigenous relative, drag artist, and activist of the Diné, or Navajo, Nation, will present her work in health equity for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ through a community talk and drag art show on Aug. 19, 5–7 p.m., at 1899 Bar & Grill. The event is titled, “Our Health, Our Bodies Elevated” and is sponsored by the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative’s (SHERC) Fairness First Campaign.
Lady Shug was born into the Kinłichii’nii (Red House) and Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms) clans and grew up in the four corners area of New Mexico.
She recently appeared in “We’re Here,” an HBO series, that centers on the experiences of trans and queer communities in small towns around the country through the art of drag. Lady Shug was highlighted in the season finale as an Indigenous queen that strives to bring drag back to her Indigenous territory.
According to Carmenlita Chief, senior research coordinator at SHERC, Lady Shug has dedicated her community work to support the creation of healthcare that is responsive to the needs and lives of Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ communities in parts of New Mexico and Arizona.
“Lady Shug uses the power of her voice, artistry and activism as a drag artist to highlight the health inequities in healthcare, mental health, and gender-based violence among 2SLGBTQ+ relatives living in rural communities that are often forgotten,” Chief said.
Lady Shug said she is looking forward to discussing with the audience how to create health systems in rural and urban areas that include the active participation, representation, and visibility of 2SLGBTQ+ relatives.
“I’m so excited to have this platform, to inspire folks young and old that it’s OK to be who you are and to be proud of yourself, whether you’re a pow wow dancer, a drag queen, a comedian, a parent, a teacher, or even a caregiver,” Lady Shug said. “You are worthy of love and acceptance, and I wish to embody that feeling of love and pride so no Indigenous queer person ever gets left behind.”
“Our Health, Our Bodies Elevated” is the first in-person event of the new health equity series of the Fairness First Campaign called “Health Justice Futures.” To watch pre-recorded videos of earlier events, visit the Health Justice Futures page.
All are welcome to this free event. Register here.
This event is supported in part by an NIMHD center grant to the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative at Northern Arizona University (U54MD012388).