Two-Spirited Indigenous People

5 Facts About Two-Spirited Indigenous People

Commonly used by Indigenous people, the term “two-spirit” refers to an individual who identifies as having both a masculine and feminine spirit. While this term actually predates any LGBTQ terminology we have now, there is still confusion about two-spirit indigenous people. The following facts provide a quick introduction to this unique community.

  1. The term “two-spirit” was coined by Albert McLeod during the 3rd Annual Inter-tribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Lesbian American Conference in 1990. McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawaysihk Cree Nation and the Metis community of Norway House in northern Manitoba. Two spirit is not a new movement- it has 

  2. The term "Two Spirit" does not simply mean someone who is a Native American/Alaska Native and gay; this term is only appropriate for Native people, and is not interchangeable with the term “gay”. Two-spirit is an umbrella term that includes a wide variety of sexual, gender, and/or spiritual identities. This can include individuals that are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, gender queer, cross-dressers, or those with multiple gender identities.

  3. Traditionally, two-spirit individuals were experts in traditional art. Creating pottery, baskets, and leather items was a very common activity. Furthermore, two-spirit individuals represent something special when it comes to spirituality. Often, they held positions such as healers, shamans, and ceremonial leaders. In many communities, two-spirit individuals were balance keepers, known for reciting prayers and promoting an environment of healing.

  4. Due to white settlers, disease, and other disruptions, many Native communities experienced a loss of two-spirit traditions and were left with intergenerational trauma. Facing extermination, genocide, forced assimilation, sterilization of women, no rights to practice religion, and the alienation and murders of two-spirit people, one can see just how Native communities were stripped of their rights and culture. Today, LGBTQ+ Native people are bringing back the two-spirit role, holding gatherings and educating the community on their history and traditions.

  5. Today, two-spirit individuals are vulnerable to many issues due to their unique identity, such as alienation, discrimination, mental health disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, and hate crimes. In fact, the rate of victimization for American Indian adults is more than 2.5 times that of the overall US population.

References:

Two Spirit: Health Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ihs.gov/lgbt/health/twospirit/

Walking in Two Worlds: Understanding the Two-Spirit & LGBTQ Community. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.tribal-institute.org/2014/INCTwo-SpiritBooklet.pdf

Swan-Perkins, S. (2018, November 20). 5 Two-Spirit Heroes Who Paved the Way for Today's Native LGBTQ+ Community. Retrieved from https://www.kqed.org/arts/13845330/5-two-spirit-heroes-who-paved-the-way-for-todays-native-lgbtq-community

Helena Habtemariam