Celebrating Pride Month with Ryan Young and Nychelle Schneider

The month of June is dedicated to celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of our LGBTQ2S+ relatives. Eighth Generation is excited to share, celebrate, and amplify the voices of two of our artists who are part of the community. It is important to educate and acknowledge that intersectionality historically and continually exists within the Indigenous community. Today, we highlight two incredible Two Spirit artists: Ryan Young (Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, They/Them Pronouns) and Nychelle Schneider (Snoqualmie, She/Her/They Prounouns).

Meet Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Two Spirit Artist Ryan Young

Check out Ryan's artist bio and designs here

Ryan Young (Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) is a Two Spirit artist from Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. Specializing in photography and printmaking, Ryan's Two Sprit representation and empowerment is central in both their art and community work. Their beautiful and best-selling Two Spirit Wool Blanket is an incredible example of their artistry. Based on their own painting, Ryan celebrates Two Spirit people with their tribe's traditional story of the crow. To Ryan, the story reflects the struggles and sacrifices they have made as a Two Spirit person. 

Two Spirit Wool Blanket by Ryan Young

As an artist and advocate themself, we asked Ryan about their experiences as a Two Spirit Indigenous artist in the art space:

Q: What does it mean to you to be an Indigenous artist in the LGBTQ2S+ community?

A: My initial experience as a Two Spirit person has been one who has had no resources or many folks to talk to which has culminated in me doing a lot of work to create art and to create spaces for our Two Spirit youth to have representation, support, and a voice. I always work to create opportunities and spaces that I wish I had when I was younger, and it empowers me to know that folks benefit from those spaces.

Q: Why is intersectionality in art important?

A: Intersectionality is crucial. One quote that always stays in my mind, from Audre Lorde, is: "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle, because we do not live single-issue lives." And there is so much work that a lot of Two Spirit elders and educators have done to show us that the history of queerness has always existed in our cultures. I've learned that regardless if that history is not taught, it does not change the fact that there are Queer folks in our communities that exist now, and need resources, space, and cultural access. And I will always fight for that. We understand that language and culture evolves in various ways, and we create language for that.

Follow Ryan on Instagram @indigenousvengeance

 Meet Snoqualmie Two Spirit Artist Nychelle Schneider

Check out Nychelle's artist bio and designs here

Nychelle Schneider (Snoqualmie) is a Two Spirit artist from Snoqualmie, Washington. An artist and teacher, Nychelle's work focuses on representing those who are Indigenous, Queer, and Two Spirit, and those with disabilities. Her published writings and artwork have been widely displayed in galleries and museums, including Prayer of Silence with Island Ink and sales with private collectors. She also leads visual arts workshops with schools and people in her Tribal community. Her Signs of Spring Tumbler is a gorgeous example of her artistry. In shades of periwinkle, she captures an early-blooming crocus, reminding us of the natural beauty of the first signs of Spring.

Signs of Spring Tumbler by Nychelle Schneider

As an artist and teacher herself, we asked Nychelle about her experiences as a Two Spirit Indigenous artist in the art space:

Q: What does it mean to you to be an Indigenous artist in the LGBTQ2S+ community?

A: Being a two-spirit indigenous artist means we can honor our heritage and ancestors through our joy of creating art and stories, to share our perspectives and culture and we love that we have the opportunity to do so.

Q: Why is intersectionality in art important?

A: Intersectionality is important because it means we are not alone, we never were as our art connects with those beyond just us. People have tried to erase us, but we represent time immemorial; we are connected throughout histories and so we create, to speak truths and our joy through art. Through art we can heal. 

Follow Nychelle on Instagram @mistletoetrex

Happy Pride Month

Although June is Pride Month, it is important to remember that today, and every day, we must celebrate, educate, and acknowledge the accomplishments and history of our LGBTQ2S+ relatives. Eighth Generation prides itself on providing ethical alternatives to “Native-inspired” art which includes designs from Native artists of all backgrounds. Thank you for continuing to support “Inspired Natives®, not Native-inspired”!