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Health
Gay Native Americans share stories of struggle


Gay and transgendered Native Americans said they have been the victims of hate crimes and discrimination.

Elton Naswood, a member of the Navajo Nation, was attacked outside of a gay bar in Phoenix. He didn't seek out medical attention or report the incident to the police because he felt ashamed.

Ashliana Hawelu, a Native Hawaiian, has been raped four times, thrown out of a car and beaten with a crowbar. When she went to the hospital, she said doctors treated her differently when they found out she was born a man.

Jheri Davis, a Navajo man, was beaten by four young Native men who gave him a ride. He spent two days in a hospital but reported the incident to the authorities. The four assailants, ages 16-21, were sent to jail.

Naswood, Hawelu and Davis shared their stories at the "Embracing Our Traditions" conference on HIV/AIDS in Indian Country that was held last week in Anchorage, Alaska.

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Workshop addresses gay-bashing and American Indians (AP 5/8)
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Relevant Links:
Embracing Our Traditions - http://www.embracingourtraditions.org
National Native American AIDS Prevention Center - http://www.nnaapc.org
National HIV Prevention Conference - http://www.2005hivprevconf.org

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