community spotlight A-LISTS Nearly every group on Earth has faced persecution at one point or an-
other, but not all carry themselves with the dignity of the Kumeyaay people. The astounding generosity of the “people of the cliffs”—a translation of Kumeyaay—has set a great example for anyone who has persevered despite bitter oppression. “We’ve never really picked on anybody, we include everybody,” explained
Tim Bactad, elected tribal council member of the Viejas band. “Everyone has a voice. Before we started our businesses and became what we are, we were always put in the corner and kept quiet. We know that others were too. We know the LGBT community needs our support.” Most San Diegans are aware that the Kumeyaay have lived here for much
longer than anyone’s European ancestors. But what is not widely known, and often swept into obscurity, is the strikingly unjust timeline of events when local government repeatedly robbed the Kumeyaay of every resource and human right. First, when the current U.S.-Mexico border was plunked right down the middle of their territory, it effectively split a culture into two. Then, as the city of San Diego grew, so did its need for a secure water supply. The decision to dam the San Diego River was made with almost no regard for the fact that it ran through the Capitan Grande Indian Reservation. Forced from their homes onto even smaller reservations inaccessible to water, generations of Kumeyaay were treated as less than human. Nevertheless, the current incarnation of this proud band inspires hope as its leaders reach out by bridging gaps and offering assistance in any way they can. Tim Bactad is one of the leading Kumeyaay in this area who has come out
of the closet, but his prominence in his community is not about his being openly gay. “It’s about what I do for the people—being the voice of the person who isn’t able to express an opinion or fight for an issue. That’s why I was elected onto the tribal council. They knew who I was as a person and accepted me. If I’ve done the right things and have pleased the people, then I’ll be elected again. Not only is Tim involved with his tribal community, but he has dutifully
served the LGBT community for years. “I worked as secretary for the Ameri- can Indian Health Center, from there I went on into the case management department for HIV clients. It’s been about 13 years since I’ve worked there. I don’t know if you’re aware, but a lot of American Indians who live in San Di- ego are natives of other states who moved here—maybe 90 percent. They’re called Urban Indians. I’m native, but I live up in Alpine on my reservation.” Tim is also an active participant in many Hillcrest activities, as Viejas is a
major contributor of support for the Mardi Gras festival and Gay Pride and other events within the community. “I go to Hillcrest whenever I can squeeze it in. I’ll usually go to MO’s on a
Friday to meet up with friends.” But Tim’s interests aren’t restricted to the boundaries of Hillcrest. “I love
Padres games. I’m a sports fanatic,” Tim admits. “I play in the gay softball league on Sundays, which my Tribe has sponsored and for the first time, we have sponsored a lesbian team. I used to play in the gay dart league. My partner doesn’t really like crowds, unless he is at a concert. I don’t mind them. Otherwise, he and I usually hang out at my casino. We’ve got good bands. It’s kind of like a club at the Gaslamp with live entertainment, only we don’t have a cover charge and you don’t have to pay for parking. I live right behind the casino, so it’s walking distance if I drink too much or have too good of a time (laughter). My partner is actually a member of the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians who have Harrah’s Rincon Casino and Resort. We’ve adopted two children and we’ve been together 19 years. He’s worked for my tribe for 16 years now.” Through countless years of betrayal at the hands of government, the
Kumeyaay have risen above bitterness and offered their inclusivity and sup- port to our community, inspiring us to do the same. To find out more about the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay, visit
viejasbandofkumeyaay.org.
JULY 2010 | RAGE monthly 15 Tim Bactad is one of the leading
Kumeyaay in this area who has come out of the closet, but his prominence in his community is not about his being openly
gay. “It’s about what I do for the people— being the voice of the person who isn’t able to express an opinion or fight for an issue. That’s why I was elected onto the tribal council.”
A HERITAGE OF HOPE
TIM BACTAD
OF THE VIEJAS BAND OF KUMEYAAY by david vera
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