[DENVER, June 22] – Today Pop Culture Classroom released “A Two-Spirit (Indigenous-Queer) Perspective,” the latest issue in the Denver-based arts and education organization’s Colorful History comic series about important people, places, and stories from U.S. history.
The following is a statement from Matt Slayter, Director of Education at Pop Culture Classroom, on the comic’s release:
“In celebration of this year’s Pride Month — and addressing concerns for the rights and safety of the LGBTQ+ community — this comic teaches Indigenous and LGBTQ+ history and asks us to consider what present-day America can learn from Indigenous and Two-Spirit communities.
“As more anti-LGBTQ+ laws continue to be proposed, and as the public conversation around the treatment and rights of our transgender siblings has escalated, we believe this issue of Colorful History is especially timely and important.
“This comic provides a much-needed historical perspective from cultures that have often been ignored, silenced, and suppressed by colonialism. Hopefully, queer and indigenous communities—especially trans and gender non-conforming youth and adults—feel seen, celebrated, and positively represented in the telling of this story.”
The comic’s release comes on the eve of LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations in Denver, Seattle, the Twin Cities, and other communities. It also comes as state legislatures across the U.S. are proposing — and, in some states, passing — laws targeting protections against discrimination for people who identify as transgender or binary.
The comic was written by Crisosto Apache, a Two-Spirit writer who is Mescalero Apache, Chiricahua Apache, and Diné (Navajo) of the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt Clan) born for the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan) tribe. Two-spirit artist Moe Butterfly (Onödowa’ga:’, Turtle Clan) provided art and colors.
Today’s release is the 79th issue of Pop Culture Classroom’s Colorful History comics, all of which are available as free downloads at PopCultureClassroom.org/comics
Media Contact: Chris Burley, c.burley@popcultureclassroom.org
About Pop Culture Classroom: Pop Culture Classroom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of pop culture to inspire learning, literacy, and community engagement. Through their educational programs, including workshops, comic conventions, and year-round initiatives, Pop Culture Classroom aims to empower learners of all ages and backgrounds. For more information visit www.popcultureclassroom.org.
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