Join us for the 2026 Southwest American Indian Two Spirit LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Gathering!

• DATE: Saturday, August 8, 2026
• TIME: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• LOCATION: Phoenix Indian Center (4041 N. CENTRAL AVE. BLDG B PHOENIX, AZ 85012)

ABOUT THE EVENT

This free, one day event centers Indigiqueer speakers & resource sharing for Two Spirit relatives, advocates, health specialists, tribal citizens & allies! 

This event brings together

• 2SLGBTQIA+ relatives & allies
• Researchers & Advocates 
• Behavioral Health Specialists 
• Prevention Specialists 
• Tribal and local community members

Award Nominations

Nominations due by Monday July 6, 2026 

Dream Catcher Award:

Person must be American Indian, identify as Two Spirit LGBTQIA+ and has demonstrated a
lifetime commitment of service to the American Indian 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Southwest. 

Basket Award:

Person or organization who is recognized as an ally of the American Indian 2SLGBTQ+ community
and has provided support of programing and services targeting this community in the Southwest. 

Call for Speakers

Each year the Phoenix Indian Center hosts the Southwest American Indian 2SLGBTQIA+ Rainbow Gathering to share lived experiences, best prevention practices of suicide, homelessness, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS etc., culturally relevant strategies, with a focus on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

SESSIONS SHOULD ADDRESS TOPICS IN

Cultural Revitalization Efforts for Two Spirit community: 

• Highlighting traditional stories and knowledge of 2SLGBTQIA+ people’s history within tribes.
• Preserve traditional practices where Two Spirit persons were involved (i.e., ceremonies, songs, prayers, language, etc.). 
• Uplift contemporary 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. 
• Efforts in communities to hear from other 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals to increase their voices, recognize and amplify their work, ideas and research. 

Prevention Efforts in 2SLGBTQIA+ community: 

• Successes and challenges in tribal, urban, and/or rural community efforts. 
• Addressing stigma, access to prevention services. 
• Historical Trauma/Cultural Awareness. 
• Prevention, intervention, and postvention support 
• Relevant data reflecting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. 
• Resources in HIV/STD prevention, STI testing, shared clinical and behavioral health services, housing and/or other community needs. 
• Working to improve Physical, Mental, Spiritual and/or Emotional Health for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community: 
• Holistic approaches to healing, self-care, and healthy coping mechanisms. 
• Learning practical skills using hands-on activities, movement exercises, or other interactive models. 
• Highlighting resources and culturally rooted healing practices. 

Sessions should contain contemporary and/or traditional Indigenous knowledge. Please plan for a 30 min presentation.

SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Please read all information carefully.
2. Fill out the online application form below before or by Monday, July 6, 2026.
3. A member of our staff may contact you if they have any questions about your application.
4. You will be notified if you are selected to speak at the Southwest American Indian 2SLGBTQIA+ Rainbow Gathering 

Scan the QR code or click the button below to visit the application:

Call for Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ Artists

The 2026 Southwest American Indian Rainbow Gathering is seeking original artwork inspired by this year’s theme: Generations of Pride

We invite Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ artists to share work that reflects the strength, resilience, wisdom, and beauty of our communities across generations. Consider themes of ancestral teachings, Two Spirit pride, Indigiqueer futures, youth empowerment, community, family, and cultural continuity.

The selected artwork will be featured on commemorative tote bags distributed at the 2026 Southwest American Indian Rainbow Gathering, and the artist will be recognized and highlighted alongside their work.

• All mediums welcome (digital or traditional)
• Submit as a PNG or JPEG digital file
• Deadline: July 6, 2026
• Send submissions to Kami Ortiz at Kortiz@phxindcenter.org