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The Two-Spirit flag, designed by artist Jonathan Myrtle. 

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The rainbow flag pays tribute to the LGBTQ community, while the symbols showcases honor to individuals who embody both masculine and feminine qualities or who have a unique gender identity.

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An article showcasing the reflection of the diverse understandings of gender and sexuality within Indigenous cultures and emphasizes a connection to heritage and spirituality.

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Introduction:

With June being Pride Month as well as Indigenous History Month, it is imperative to discuss and bring attention to the history of Two-Spirit (2S) folks. Many individuals are unaware of the term Two-Spirit, where the term originated and the power it carries.

The concept of Two-Spirit folks existed well before the arrival of European settlers on Turtle Island. Indigenous individuals who identified as Two-Spirit folks were seen as gifted and honoured in their community because they carried two spirits with them, both male and female. 2S folks were often the healers, medicine people, and visionaries within their given community and they were foundational members of their culture. Much of this can be attributed to the "double vision" 2S people are gifted with, being able to see both through the masculine and feminine lens.

Impacts of Colonization

Two-Spirit people, as well as all Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island, were deeply impacted and harmed by the effects of colonization. One major impact on 2S folks was the introduction of residential schools which forced extremely heteronormative roles onto Indigenous children. Colonization resulted in Two-Spirit folks losing their way of life and culture, and the effects of that are still very real today and should be brought to light.

Throughout the process of colonization and the devastating effects that came along with it, the respect and honour Two-Spirit folks had was lost and their roles diminished in society. The homophobic attitudes and ideas that are present in society have eroded the ways in which 2S folks are treated. However, many 2S folks have worked to regain their power and place in the community and culture, through education and healing. Through these acts of healing and the restoration of identity, Two-Spirit folks are being reclaimed as Sacred.

Although the concept of Two-Spirit individuals has been around for a long time, the term was proposed only in 1990. During the Third Annual Intertribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Lesbian American Conference which was held in Winnipeg, Elder Myra Laramee put forth the term. The term Two-Spirit is a translation of the Anishnaabemowin term, niizh manidoowag, which actually translates to "two spirits".

It is important to remember that notions, ideas, and identities should not be generalized to all Indigenous peoples and cultures. Due to the diverse and culturally specific nature of these traditions and understandings, it is crucial to recognize that the concept of 2S folks is not universal to all Indigenous worldviews. Additionally, when discussing the concept of Two-Spirit individuals, it is necessary to remember that it is not an identity that non-Indigenous people can adopt or claim.

Most importantly, always center, listen to and amplify the voices of 2S folks, not only during Pride and Indigenous History Month but every single day.

Resources:
https://lgbtqhealth.ca/community/two-spirit.php https://rainbowresourcecentre.org/files/16-08-Two-Spirit.pdf https://www.becomingeducation.ca/why2slgbtq https://www.ihs.gov/lgbt/health/twospirit/ https://oacas.libguides.com/sogie/two-spirit https://waniskahk.ca/2-spirited/history https://www.kqed.org/arts/13845330/5-two-spirit-heroes

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The History of Two-Spirit Folks - The Indigenous Foundation

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Content Warning: Mentions of Residential Schools and Effects of Colonizations Introduction: With June being Pride Month as well as Indigenous History Month , it is imperative to discuss and bring attention to the history of Two-Spirit (2S) folks. Many individuals are unaware of the t

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It’s also important to recognize that each Indigenous community may have its own interpretations associated with Two-Spirit identities. Not all communities identify with the same meanings.

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Ma-Nee Chacaby talks about Two Spirit identities

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Two-Spirit couples refer to romantic partnerships where at least one partner identifies as Two-Spirit. 

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The term "Two-Spirit" is rooted in Indigenous cultures and was popularized in the 1990s as an umbrella term for various gender identities recognized by different tribes.

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There are hundreds of Indigenous cultures found throughout North America, each with its own unique history, traditions, languages, identities, and worldviews. It is not surprising, then, that these cultures also have differing perspectives on gender, sex, and sexuality.

You can think of Two Spirit as a pan-Indigenous, unifying term that has been adopted by some Indigenous people from North American communities to describe people who identify as having both masculine and feminine traits.

Two Spirit is considered a contemporary, umbrella term that is specific to the Indigenous LGBT2QQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two Spirit, queer, questioning, intersexual, asexual) community. It encompasses a variety of understandings of gender. The term is sometimes used to describe variations of sexuality as well.

Gender vs. Sexuality

Gender refers to the way that a person feels and presents their identity (man, woman, non-binary, gender fluid, etc.), while sexuality refers to who people are attracted to (straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.).

What Does Two Spirit Mean?

"Two Spirit" is an umbrella term that is meant to unify various gender identities and expressions among Indigenous, Native American, Alaskan Native, and First Nations people.

It does not refer to a specific gender and is instead a catch-all term that represents a wide variety of people who don't fit in with the traditional gender binary.

Traditionally, many Indigenous cultures recognized third and fourth alternative gender statuses that encompassed masculine, feminine, and unique traits. The term aims to reflect the different gender identities within the two spiritual communities, where third and fourth gender roles have ceremonial and spiritual significance.

Within Indigenous communities, these individuals historically fulfilled specialized roles in both work and spiritual practices.

Different Indigenous cultures have their own variations on the term Two Spirit, but historically this term has been used to describe a variety of people who embody traits, identities, and gender expressions of both masculine and feminine energies.

The term Two Spirit was first introduced and adopted during the Third Annual Inter-tribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Lesbian American Conference in Winnipeg, Canada in 1990. While this is a relatively new term, it describes a very old tradition of gender fluidity.

At the time of early European contact, research has found there was a great diversity in gender expressions among Native American tribes. At first contact, Native American cultures recognized three to five gender roles.

The use of the term "Two Spirit" was seen as a way for Indigenous communities to reclaim lost traditional ways of viewing gender, sex, sexuality, and spirituality. Two Spirit is often included under the umbrella of the LGBTQ+ acronym.

While the term is sometimes used to indicate gender or orientation, it does not simply mean that someone is both Indigenous and gay. A person who is Two Spirit may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming, but the terms are not synonymous.

It is important to note that there is no single, universal definition of what Two Spirit means. For example, the term may refer to embodying both masculine and feminine qualities, but that is not its only meaning or use.

While the term Two Spirit offers a universal way to describe Indigenous views of gender identity and expression, each tribe has its own specific term.

Native American, Alaskan Native, First Nations, and Indigenous people may use this term to describe their experience of masculine and feminine traits, but not all people use or identify with this term. Some may see it as meaning that someone possesses both a masculine and feminine spirit, while others view it as being more of a metaphor for the traits and qualities they possess.

It is also important to note that Two Spirit is culturally specific to Indigenous groups.

While the term Two Spirit is a contemporary coinage, the concept of a masculine and feminine spirit existing within the same individual has a long history within Indigenous cultures. Indigenous cultures have traditionally recognized that people have a feminine and masculine spirit that exists in harmony with the feminine or masculine being.

While the role of Two Spirit individuals differs within each culture, they historically played important roles within their communities and often held special status.

In many Indigenous cultures, Two Spirit individuals are seen as being two identities that occupy one physical body. Native American beliefs suggest that some people are born with both masculine and feminine spirits. Children wore gender-neutral clothing until they were old enough to determine for themselves which path was theirs. People who are Two Spirit may dress in gender-nonconforming ways or combine different aspects of traditionally masculine and feminine gender expression.

Within different communities, Two Spirit individuals were often involved in performing work that was generally associated with both men and women. Having the spirits of two genders was considered a special gift and people with this gift often held highly respected positions within their communities. Rather than being confined to a rigid gender role, Two Spirit people often participated in activities such as hunting or going to battle, while also participating in activities such as caring for children and cooking.

Potential Pitfalls

It is important to recognize that with hundreds of different Native American, Alaskan Native, and First Nations cultures, there are widely diverse perspectives on sex and gender. Terms like Two Spirit can be unifying, but are not always agreed upon or even welcomed by Indigenous groups.

Doesn't Reflect Diversity Among Indigenous Groups

While the use of the term Two Spirit has become more common, it has not gained universal recognition. Different tribal groups throughout North America have their own unique views and terms to describe these individuals, and the use of the term Two Spirit is sometimes seen as another form of cultural erasure. Rather than recognizing the diversity of Indigenous worldviews on gender and sex, the term is sometimes seen as a way of forcing traditional Indigenous belief systems into the Western binary perspective.

Each person with two spirits carries their identity differently, which is uniquely experienced and expressed. Many Indigenous languages have certain words that describe a person's gender identity as man, woman, or a combination of the two spirits. And many people identify as Two Spirit as well as another sexual identity such as queer.

May Perpetuate Stereotypes

Non-Indigenous people may sometimes use the concept of Two Spirit people to perpetuate romanticized, inaccurate views of Indigenous cultures and attitudes. While the term suggests a shared perspective on sex and gender among Indigenous, Native American, and First Nations groups, beliefs and attitudes towards Two Spirit individuals vary widely among individual tribes.

May Perpetuate Dominance of Non-Indigenous Perspectives

It is also important to remember that the study of Two Spirit communities is also often carried out through the lens of non-Indigenous settler groups, which can contribute to and perpetuate cultural misunderstandings. Such perspectives often favor Western culture and include Eurocentric belief systems that emphasize a two-gender binary.

Though not without its pitfalls, as a unifying term, Two Spirit helps recognize the unique challenges that are faced by Indigenous people whose identities are outside the gender binary. They face the compounded challenges of being part of a marginalized gender or sexuality minority affected by discrimination, as well as the complex, intergenerational trauma faced by Indigenous communities.

This multiple minority status places Two Spirit individuals at a higher risk for mental health challenges, substance misuse, and exposure to stress, violence, and trauma.﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

Two Spirit communities have gained greater prominence, particularly among Indigenous youth.

The effects of colonization and historical trauma have had a significant damaging impact on many Indigenous traditions and forced Western views on the understanding and expression of gender and sexuality. Today, Two Spirit communities are working to help restore many of these traditions.

Press Play for Advice On Dealing With Trauma

Hosted by Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, featuring holistic psychologist Mariel Buqué, shares how to heal from intergenerational trauma. Click below to listen now.

There are a number of online resources where you can learn more about issues affecting Two Spirit individuals and communities:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a number of online webinars that address topics related to Two Spirit and trangender identities in Indigenous and tribal communities.

WeRNative, a site devoted to Indigenous youth, also offers resources for LGBT and Two Spirit youth.

The University of Winnipeg also maintains an archive of Two Spirit resources, including links to histories, documentaries, and community organizations.

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The Two Spirit community represents Indigenous people who possess both masculine and feminine qualities. Learn more about their history and importance.

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Two spirit is a term reserved for natives, and is not free for other LGBTQ members to use.

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two spirit individuals are often misunderstood and face stigma and discrimination as well as malicious commentary.

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Many Indigenous cultures historically recognized and honored Two-Spirit individuals, often assigning them special roles in the community, such as healers, mediators, or spiritual leaders.

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The term Two Spirit is an umbrella term across American Indian and First Nations cultures for a person who embodies both male and female spirits within them, hence Two Spirit. It originated at a 1990 conference for gay and lesbian natives to replace the hurtful, derogatory, colonial term (French for a "young male kept for homosexual sex"), used for gender-nonconforming individuals.

A stellar Two-Spirit lesson by @GeoNeptune...watch.it.now! #twosprit https://t.co/IclyXwLXSU

- Cinnamon C-Legutko (@CLegutko) December 14, 2018

Two Spirit concept, however, is an ancient and traditional one in native cultures, and not just a native equivalent for queer or LGBTQ. It especially referred to birth-assigned men who took social identity and dress of women. It took diverse forms (and terms) within the hundreds of tribes across the Americas. Two Spirit identity frequently involved special work roles in society (e.g., weavers, healers, caretakers), sacred status, roles in ceremonies, same-sex relations, and cross-dressing.

Our Two-Spirit ancestors were targeted, beaten, raped, murdered because colonizers thought they were evil, sinful.....they were targeted because of the power they held within many of our communities as leaders, healers, warriors...

- Johnnie Jae aka The Brown Ball of Fury (@johnniejae) July 21, 2018

Historically, two-spirited people especially suffered under white colonization and the abusive American Indian boarding schools in the 19th-20th centuries, which made them choose a gender and its roles rather than live as a third gender.

Two Spirit has spread in the 2000s with growing visibility and inclusion of gender diversity in culture. The topic has been featured in several documentaries and films in the 2000-10s, including the 2018 Miseducation of Cameron Post, following a Two Spirit person sent to conversion camp.

I'm really glad the miseducation of cameron post adressed two-spirit and lgbt+ native americans experience even if brief

- 🦇 (@hecaete) November 10, 2018

However, some in mainstream culture have appropriated or misunderstood Two Spirit outside of its complex and historic Native American cultural context. It's important to note that while Two Spirit is a term many native persons use for all LGBTQ native individuals, it's not synonymous with LGBTQ.

Pop star Jason Mraz came under fire in July 2018 when he discussed his sexuality in terms of Two Spirit, which he says his wife defined in terms of bisexuality. This was seen as a form of cultural appropriation.

Jason Mraz opens up about his sexuality to @billboard.

"I've had experiences with men, even while I was dating the woman who became my wife. It was like, 'Wow, does that mean I am gay?' And my wife laid it out for me. She calls it 'two spirit'." pic.twitter.com/ICOlmrQM1o

- Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 20, 2018

Okay but here is the thing Mraz, two spirit is a gender identity, not a sexuality. A Native American gender identity. It is not about sexual preference. It is about gender. This smacks an awful lot of cultural appropriation.

- 🎅Pearl🎄 (@archaeonerd91) July 20, 2018

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What Does Two Spirit Mean? | Gender & Sexuality by Dictionary.com

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The term Two Spirit is an umbrella term across American Indian and First Nations cultures for a person who embodies both male and female spirits within them, hence Two Spirit. It originated at a 1990 conference for gay and lesbian natives to replace the hurtful, derogatory, colonial term (French for a "young male kept for homosexual sex"), used for gender-nonconforming individuals.

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Different tribes have their own terms and understandings for Two-Spirit individuals, with distinct cultural practices and beliefs surrounding gender and sexuality.

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Book outlining the need for ongoing dialogue and understanding regarding the intersections of culture, identity, and community.

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Two-Spirit people often face challenges related to discrimination, both within and outside of their retrospective communities, as they navigate their identities in a modern day society.

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As They Are: Two-Spirit People in the Modern World

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Many Two-Spirit individuals face challenges related to mental health, often caused by discrimination, stigma, and the pressures of navigating multiple identities.

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The Montana Two-Spirit controversy primarily revolves around the inclusion and representation of Two-Spirit identities within LGBTQ+ and Indigenous communities.

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Why Montana's Two-Spirit people are challenging a state law that defines sex as binary | CNN

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Two-Spirit is an umbrella term that emerged in the 1990s, referring to people in many Indigenous communities who historically had both a masculine and feminine spirit, and who filled specialized social and spiritual roles.

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Goals for better representation, recognition, and respect for Two-Spirit voices in both Indigenous and LGBTQ+ spaces

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There is a growing movement to increase the further visibility of Two-Spirit individuals, celebrating their contributions to both Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities

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Two spirited individuals use various forms of art, including visual arts, music, dance, and literature to self express!

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For centuries, Two-Spirit people had to carry out Native traditions in secret. Now, they’re ‘making their own history.’

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History professor Gregory Smithers’ new book, “Reclaiming Two-Spirits,” centers the narrative of Two-Spirits in their role as keepers of knowledge.