For centuries, it was acceptable to drive our people from the areas where our ancestors knew how to survive so they could expand into those areas without the threat our Natives infringing on their way of life; it was acceptable to divide our people so that, over time, we would no longer be connected as tribes; it was even acceptable to massacre our ancestors; and when genocide failed, to attempt to assimilate Natives so we would no longer be different. This is our history. I do not believe in discriminating against others based on our differences as humans, whether those differences are physical, religious, or, with respect to the conversation today, based on sexual orientation. I think that if we, as a community, start contemplating the legitimacy of gay marriages, it would be a step backward. As of right now, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes are standing out and doing something very forward-thinking by treating our gay brothers and sisters as true equals in this world.Get the Story:
Amber Bighorse: Oklahoma Cheyenne & Arapaho leader supports marriage equality (The Oklahoma City Sentinel 10/25) Also Today:
Cheyenne and Arapaho couple finds shortcut to same sex marriage in Oklahoma (The Oklahoma City Sentinel 10/26)
Turning To Tribal Nations For Gay Marriage (NPR 10/26)
Related Stories
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes draw attention to
marriage law (10/25)Editorial: Tribe leading way to marriage equality in Oklahoma (10/24)
Same-sex couple plans wedding under Cheyenne-Arapaho law (10/23)
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes recognize same-sex marriages (10/22)
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