Celebrating Geronimo Louie: An Indigenous Queer Trailblazer

This article celebrates Geronimo Louie, an inspiring LGBTQ+ trailblazer who is making a difference in the community. Geronimo, an Indigenous person from the Chiricahua Apache band and the Navajo Nation, identifies as 'two-spirit' or 'Indigenous queer.' He is not only a talented Indigenous fashion designer but also a TikTok creator who educates people about cultural sensitivity and respect.

Pride and Geronimo's Journey

Pride is a significant reminder for Geronimo of the history of the queer community and the importance of learning from the past to create a better future. It has changed him as a person, making him more aware of the fight for queer rights. Geronimo is actively involved in Diné Pride, an organization that supports Indigenous queer people through scholarships and their own Pride event.

Embracing Identity and Culture

Geronimo's identity as an Indigenous person has shaped him to be more connected to his culture. He has faced challenges within the LGBTQ+ community due to systemic racism and cultural appropriation. As a 'two-spirit' person, he educates non-Indigenous queer individuals about the meaning and origins of being two-spirit. Finding his place within the Indigenous queer community has allowed him to be his authentic self without hesitation.

Celebrating Diversity and Supporting Others

Geronimo celebrates the diversity and strength of the LGBTQ+ community by embracing his own identity as an Indigenous queer person. He recognizes the resilience of the community throughout history, particularly after colonization. He also supports other queer people of color who often face misrepresentation and marginalization. By coming together and acknowledging their shared history and advocacy, Geronimo celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community.

Impact of the TikTok Community

The TikTok community has inspired Geronimo to be more open and connected with people from around the world. He appreciates the opportunity to learn about different cultures, their issues, and their strengths. Geronimo is proud of all his videos, especially those where he can inform and educate others. He believes in creating meaningful content that connects with people and encourages others to be themselves.

Advice to the Next Generation

Geronimo's advice to the next generation of the LGBTQ+ community is to embrace love. Love for oneself and for the community is powerful and can lead to strength and wisdom. He encourages them to be proud of how far they have come and to believe in their potential for the future.

Being Allies to the LGBTQ+ Community

To be allies to the LGBTQ+ community, Geronimo suggests that individuals educate themselves about the real history of Pride, genders, and queer people. Allies should also support the community by educating others and providing necessary resources. Additionally, Geronimo emphasizes the importance of challenging and dismantling the gender norms imposed by Western society and colonizers.

Recommended TikTok Creators

Geronimo recommends following and supporting queer people of color, especially Black trans individuals. Some TikTok creators he suggests are @kissyduerre, @devdoee, @xochitlarte, @giiwedinindizhinikaaz, and @jadeexbadu.