WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Ayóó Ánóshní (Love is Sacred) was the theme of the largest Indigenous Pride Festival in the U.S., as the Navajo Nation LGBTQ+ community assembled in Window Rock, Arizona on June 29 to celebrate.
The 2024 Diné Pride Festival and Market at the Window Rock Veterans Memorial Park accommodated a crowd of family, friends, and supporters of diversity and inclusion, including President Buu Nygren, Vice President Richelle Montoya, and Speaker Crystalyne Curley.
Navajo Nation Shopping Centers Inc. participated in Navajo Nation Pride for the first time this year, distributing bags, beach balls, brochures, coin purses, hand fans, notepads and pens, popsicles, water, and other promotional items during the daylong event.
Festivities at the Diné Pride Festival included the LGBTQ+ Marketplace, Indigenous Drag Show, guest speakers, food trucks, and personal networking.
Rainbow colored flags marked the official parade route from Window Rock Shopping Center to Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park.
The Diné Pride Parade marked the start of the event, as participants marched from the Navajo Nation Museum to the tribal park, carrying banners, signs, flags, streamers, and other colorful items.
Although most of the booths were already set up and ready to go, the event didn’t officially begin in earnest until the parade arrived at the park.
People enjoyed culinary classics such as Navajo frybread and sipped on refreshing drinks such as infused water and homemade lemonade.
The DJ played all the classic hits: “Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic, “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper, “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer, “Groove is in the Heart” by Deee-Lite, “What is Love” by Haddaway, “Rhythm is a Dancer” by Snap!, “Sweet Dreams” by La Bouche and countless other disco-esque tracks that filled the air.
The mood was festive. The vibe was chill. The scene was celebratory.
Staff Reports
