Part of a series of articles titled Finding Our Place: LGB Heritage in the United States.
Article • Finding Our Place: LGB Heritage in the United States
Gender and Sexuality in Native America: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, CA

Photo by Theodor Horydczak. From the collections of the Library of Congress.
Beginning with the revival of the Sun Dance ritual in 1941, Native peoples became increasingly vocal, asserting their cultural heritage and seizing federal facilities to highlight issues of poverty and promote self-rule and self-determination. One of the most prominent and successful occupations was the 1969 multi-tribe takeover of Alcatraz Island. This high-profile event marked a turning point in the lives of queer Native Americans who, with a stronger sense of their heritage and community support, felt more empowered to express their sexuality and gender identities to their families, their tribes, and their communities.

From the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration, Pacific Region.
Last updated: February 20, 2025