Crushing Colonialism Brings Indigiqueer Voices to the Global Stage at WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference

Together, these activists and artists explored how Indigiqueer communities around the world are reshaping arts, media, and culture, reclaiming narrative power, resisting colonial erasure, and affirming both Indigenous sovereignty and Queer existence.

Panelists explored the ongoing erasure of Indigiqueer people from global Pride celebrations and what it means to show up despite the harm. Most powerfully, they discussed the role of Indigiqueer storytelling in resisting colonialism and honoring their lands and peoples, both in their home territories and within the so-called U.S.

This dynamic conversation offered an urgent and joyful counter-narrative to the ongoing exclusion of Indigenous voices at global events. In fact, WorldPride has a history of marginalizing Indigenous participation, but this year marked a powerful shift. Crushing Colonialism was not only invited to lead this essential conversation, but also entrusted with the opening Land Acknowledgement, delivered by Jen Deerinwater, in honor of the Piscataway people whose lands the conference occupied.

“This panel wasn’t just about representation—it was about reclamation. Our stories, our art, our sovereignty, and our joy belong at the center of global human rights conversations,” said Deerinwater.

Throughout the panel, speakers highlighted the global scope of Indigenous queer and trans resistance and creativity, drawing connections between art, activism, and storytelling. They also uplifted the work of Crushing Colonialism, whose mission is to support Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, storytellers, and media-makers across the globe.

Watch the full panel on Crushing Colonialism’s YouTube channel, and help us amplify these urgent voices.