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Two-Spirit
Classification	Gender identity Sexual orientation Umbrella term
Spectrum or Umbrella	Gender, Sexuality

Two-Spirit refers to a strictly Native identity that describes a person who identifies as having both a masculine and feminine spirit. It is an umbrella term used by some Indigenous people as a way to describe their sexual, gender, and/or spiritual identity. Two-Spirit is all-encompassing of LGBTQIA+ identities.

While some use the term specifically as it relates to the cultural roles of individuals who embody both spirits, Two-Spirit is also used to describe Aboriginal LGBTQIA+ people. It reflects traditionally Aboriginal gender diversity, including the fluid nature of gender, sexual identity, and other identities and how it connects with spirituality.

Two-Spirit is also an ancient teaching amongst Indigenous people. According to Elders' teachings, some people were gifted by carrying two spirits; that of a male and female. These members had roles in their community that were not traditionally that of their assigned gender. For example, women engaged in tribal warfare, women married women, and men married other men. Two-Spirited people were revered in the community and respected as fundamental components of these cultures and societies.

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Etymology

The term Two-Spirit was proposed during the third annual international LGBT Native American gathering in 1990 in Winnipeg, Canada, by Elder Myra Laramee. It was proposed as an Indigenously-defined pan-Native North American term referring to the diversity of Aboriginal LGBTQIA+ identities as well as culturally-specific non-binary gender identities. The term does not diminish the tribal-specific names, roles, and traditions that specific nations have for Two-Spirit tribal members. The Lakota name is winkte while the Navajo name is nadleeh.

Sometime in the late twentieth century, non-Native anthropologists used the term berdache to identify the individuals living outside the gender role of their biological sex. It derived from the French word bardache meaning "passive homosexual" or even "male prostitutes". Bardache, in turn, derived from the Persian barda meaning "captive", "prisoner of war", or "slave". The term berdache is now considered outdated and offensive in its use.

If the sun is male and the moon is female, then Two-Spirits are the dusk, Two-Spirits are the dawn, and Two-Spirits are the time in which the sun and moon occupy the sky at the same time.

Geo Neptune's elemental description of the term

Other nations view the term Two-Spirit as the English translation for an Ojibwe word (niizh manidoowag) that, at its most rudimentary, means "embodies both the masculine and feminine spirit". However, Two-Spirit as an umbrella term for a concept is more complex.

Community

According to German anthropologist Dr. Sabine Lang, male-bodied Two-Spirits sometimes held specific roles:

• Conveyors of oral traditions and song (Yuki)
• Foretellers of the future (Winnebago, Oglala Lakota)
• Conferrers of lucky names on children or adults (Oglala Lakota, Tohono O'oodham)
• Potters (Zuni, Navajo, Tohono O'oodham)
• Matchmakes (Cheyenne, Omhaha, Oglala Lakota)
• Makers of feather regalia for dances (Maidu)
• Special role players in the Sun Dance (Crow, Hidasta, Oglala Lakota)

History

Prior to colonization, from a broad viewpoint, Indigenous views accounted for diverse sexual practices and identities. For this reason, practices were not rooted in heteronormativity, as same sex or gender relationships were not deemed as being deviant.

Two Spirit people have existed far longer than the conceptualizations of the LGBTQIA+ identities. Research indicates that over 150 different pre-colonial Native American tribes had a role for third genders in their communities. Interpretations of the role, standing of the Two-Spirit, and names for these individuals varied by tribe.Rather than a focus on physical body, many tribes emphasized a person's spirit or character. Gender and sexuality was more fluid in Native American society then in the European societies that colonized. Christian European colonizers condemned many of these practices, with punishments varying from penalizing to imprisonment, and even death.

Similar traditions spanned amongst the native peoples of Siberia and parts of Central and southeast Asia. Moreover, partners or spouses of Two-Spirit people are never referred to as being "homosexual", but just typical members of the tribe. These relationships were often with members of the same biological sex as a way to "keep the spiritual balance". Two-Spirit couples would adopt the tribe's orphaned children as their own and begin families.

Non-native scholars and anthropologists used the term berdache to frame the lives of Two-Spirit people, often romanticizing or pathologizing discourses. It was primarily used to identify feminine Native men. The usage of the word is now considered, at best outdated, and worst, potentially offensive. Spanish explorers called the Two-Spirits of the Chumash people "joyas", the Spanish term for "jewels". The use of berdache fell out of use, especially after the coining of "Two-Spirit".

First Nation

In the First Nation, before Europeans came to North America, the "Two-Spirit" referred to an ancient teaching given by the Elders. They described people gifted by the spirit of both a man and female. These individuals were looked upon as a third gender, and in almost all cultures, were honored and revered. They held role of visionaries, healers, and medicine people, respected as fundamental members of the culture and societies.

Crow Nation

For the purpose of this section, the use of she/her pronouns are used when referring to the two-spirit individual Osh-Tisch. Various recordings show Osh-Tisch using female pronouns. The LGBTQIA+ wiki determined the use of "she/her" to be most appropriate.

File:Osh-Tisch Crow Two-Spirit.jpg

Osh-Tisch [left] in a photograph

In the Crow nation during the 1800s, Two-Spirited people were called baté, which referred to a tribal member who was born male but identified as a woman. The Crow people viewed the baté as a bridge between the two genders, as baté excelled in both traditionally male and female roles. A significant baté woman was Osh-Tisch, a leader baté in the Crow nation. Osh-Tisch was an esteemed member of their society. She was a revered member of the tribe and considered a leader. Her skills in sewing led her to make the Crow Chief Iron Bull's buffalo skin lodge, but she was most known for her ferocity in battle. Her strength as a warrior earned her the name "Osh-Tisch", which translated means, "finds them and kills them." She fought valiantly in the Battle of Rosebud. She flourished with the support of her community.

During the European invasion in the 1890s, colonizers imposed bigoted beliefs regarding their gender and sexuality onto Natives using "The Code of Religious Offenses". This moral directive forbade non-Christian spiritual practices. Those that did not obey were persecuted, either through financial penalty or imprisonment, for their dating or marital traditions. The colonizers tried to force the Crow people to conform to their beliefs. When they learned of the baté, missionaries were sent to rehabilitate people and force them to not only live a gender they were born as, but also into gender roles that were wholly European. The missionary sent was named Federal Agent Briskow. He forced the baté to wear and act as he wanted - for them to conform to European ideologies. The community supported Osh-Tisch. The Crow chiefs and warriors spoke in support for the values of Two Spirit people, ultimately gaining the release of Osh-Tische and the other imprisoned Two-Spirits. Chief Pretty Eagle forced the agent into resignation. Despite Osh-Tisch's best efforts to support the baté, her death allowed European societal normal to all but take over. Osh-Tisch was known as the last baté for a long time.

Zuni people

For the purpose of this section, we will be using they/them pronouns when referring to the two-spirit individual We'Wha. Various recordings show We'wha using both male and female pronouns. The LGBTQIA+ wiki determined the use of "they" to be most appropriate.

We'wha's full-length portrait

We'wha was a very well-known and documented Two-Spirit from the Zuni people. We'wha was born into the Zuni tribe around 1849 and their mother was a member of the donashi:kwe clan (Badger People) while their father was part of the bichi:kwe clan (Dogwood People). We'wha was an orphan from infancy and both they and their brother were adopted by their aunt, an influential and wealthy member of the Zuni. We'wha was a member of their mother's clan but held ceremonial ties to their father's clan. We'wha was born a male-bodied person, they demonstrated traits associated with the Lhamana.

In the Zuni culture, Lhamana is a term that described male-bodied people who were identified by the tribal members at an early age. They blended both male and female characteristics, and combined gender roles and clothing. We'wha was identified as Lhamana around the age of three or four. The males of the tribe welcomed We'wha with manhood ceremonies around age twelve, while the women taught We'wha female tasks such as ceremonial pottery, cooking, and grinding corn. Their skills reached non-Indians, and they were commissioned to make pots for the Smithsonian Institution of Washington. An American expert called their weaving "expert" and "highly collectible". We'wha was among the first Zuni to produce products for sale to non-Indians. This process became a traditional Indian art, with the community's creations considered fine arts.

In 1877, We'wha offered their services as domestic help to Minster Mr. Ealy's wife. They also worked as a laundress. Matilda Cox Stevenson introduced We'wha to American society as an Indian princess. They met President Grover Cleveland during a trip to Washington, D.C. They presented Cleveand and his wife with a wedding gift - handcrafted by them. In the same trip, they led a charity ball. Sadly, the accord between the Zuni and Americans fell apart and when the Zuni revolted, We'wha and other leaders spent a month in prison for witchcraft. The Zuni for the eventual release of their Lhamana. We'wha walked 40 miles to the reservation to return to their former life of leading ceremonies, weaving with women, hunting with men, and making pottery. We'wha died of heart failure in 1896 at a festival at the age of 47.

Diné tradition

For the purpose of this section, we will be using he/him pronouns when referring to the two-spirit individual Hastiin. Various recordings show Hastiin using male pronouns. The LGBTQIA+ wiki determined the use of "he" to be most appropriate.

In the Diné tradition of the Navajo people, Hastiin Klah was one of the more renowned two-spirit individuals. He was born in 1867 and became a weaver, a traditionally female role, and medicine man. Within the Navajo, he was considered a nádleeh which is translated to mean “one who is changed” or “one who is transformed.” According to many historical texts, Hastiin is considered to have been an intersex person, while others believe that he simply lived as both a man and a woman. He was a remarkable individual and mastered a total of 8 chants, with the norm being one or two, became recognized for being an important medicine man by 1917, and is gifted sand paintings. He traveled across the U.S. to showcase these skills at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Despite his great accomplishments, he was considered problematic within the Navajo people. In 1911, Hastiin wove a blanket of yeibichai dancers which portrayed sacred masks. The Navajo singers felt this was sacrilegious and demanded Klah ceremoniously expel the evil and destroy the weaving. Instead, Klah sent the weaving to Washington but experienced no negative effects.

Reclaiming history

In modern times, Two-Spirited People are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, third or fourth gendered people, who are described as "walking carefully between the worlds and between the genders." Moreover, because of colonization and Native people's experiences, the role of Two-Spirit people has been lost "to consciousness", with many Native people adopting the homophobic attributes in today's society. Luckily, the Seventh Generation Two-Spirits are reclaiming their traditional roles and beliefs. The new generations of Crow nations are also reclaiming their Indigenous culture in an attempt to uncover and reconnect with it.

On October 11, 2016, a plaque was made to honor the Two-Spirit people on the Legacy Walk in Chicago. It reads "Two Spirit (Native American and Canadian First Nation LGBT People), with a large paragraph describing the community. The Legacy Walk holds bronze biographical memorial markers for notable LGBTQ individuals who helped shape the world. Each year, on "National Coming-Out Day", October 11th, new memorials are added. Full capacity was reached in 2018, so now, plaques are rotated in and out of use to showcase new additions or to remember icons. The Two Spirit plaque is amongst those on rotation.

In 2016, the Two-Spirit nation at Oceti Sakowin camp built a Cannonball River prayer pier. It was used for water ceremonies. The Two-Spirit camp worked from the morning to nightfall, so their tribal women and Elders could have a place to pray. This event was part of the protest against the Dakota pipeline.

Distinction

Optional section: If the topic has similarities to another gender/orientation, use this section to highlight the differences between them.

Controversy

Optional section: If this topic has been the subject of any controversies, detail them in this section. For example, it could explain outdated or disputed terms, disagreements about how this identity is defined, identity-phobic discourse around popular flags, or other conflicts.

Perceptions and discrimination

Health care

Internationally, Indigenous health care is a blatant issue. Indigenous people experience a disproportionately lower socioeconomic status, increased rates of substance abuse, and incidents with the criminal justice system. It is likely that LGBTQIA+ Two-Spirit people face similar and additional factors, including sexual health care, accessible housing, drop-in centers, health care, counseling, and more due to outright discrimination. The determinants to Two-Spirit peoples' health receives minimal attention in health literature due to transphobia and homophobia, including other forms of structural power inequalities. An assessment of Two-Spirit and trans people in Manitoba showed that levels of STI and HIV infections were much higher in the general Aboriginal population, especially among male-born Aboriginal study participants. Proposals to correct these disproportionate rates included establishing a trans care center, information campaign for trans people throughout the Manitoba region, referral protocol and distribution of care throughout the health system, a trans-competence training for first responders.

The health care system creates barriers for Two-Spirit people when they attempt to access health care. Many LGBTQ Indigenous Canadians have a fear of discrimination based on HIV status, sexual orientation, or that an Indigenous identity has at some point stopped them from accessing health services in the past. A lack of confidentiality within a small rural town or even on-reserve community health care centers was also a concern for some Two-Spirit people. The Trans PULSE Project held a study in which 64% of Aboriginal people had at least unmet healthcare need in the past year. In the US, the National Transgender Discrimination Survey found 34% of American Indian and Alaska Native respondents had been refused care due to anti-trans bias, and 65% postponed treatment out of fear. Moreover, research suggests that Indigenous LGBTQ and two-spirit people experience higher rates of HIV infections.

Mental health and non-ceremonial tobacco use been documented as one of the major concerns facing the two-spirit communities, especially in the United States. These concerns are largely voiced by individuals within the Indigenous and two-spirit community. There is a great need, identified both by two-spirit and LGBTQ Indigenous people and researchers, for HIV prevention, substance abuse help, mental health, and social support - all tailored for the unique aspects of these identities.

Despite the marginalization and discriminations in health care, two-spirit and LGBTQ Indigenous people utilize a number of coping and medicinal strategies to help themselves. They have been called extremely self-reliant.

Discriminations

Much research has shown that Two-Spirit people have a higher rate of poverty. A 2009 study showed nearly half of Aboriginal trans people in Manitoba had a pre-tax income under $10,000.

Indigenous pride

In December of 2017, Gabby Leon and Terri Jay discussed the lack of visibility and celebration of the Two Spirit identities and wanted to have a festival that celebrated and honored Native American LBGTQ roles and traditions. Terri, who was very engaged in the Native American community, discussed the idea further with her friends - she wanted to celebrate Native American LGBTQ history and traditions. As they discussed how Indigenous identities had grown in visibility, they also acknowledged how far they still need to go. Ultimately, the group agreed that their proposed cultural event would "honor, and acknowledge all Indigenous peoples' plight, especially those who are Two Spirit and/or identified with the contemporary labels and terms of cisgender and transgender lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, asexual, and intersex." This led to the creation of Indigenous Pride LA.

In February 2021, Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits held their tenth annual Pow-Wow.

Media

This section should be used to elaborate on the portrayal and representation of this identity in various forms of media, which can include a listing or links to various artists or movies, series, etc. Subheadings like Film, Television, Literature, and Music should be used where appropriate.

Resources

• 2SpiritYouth
• Two-Spirit Michif Local
• 2-Spirits of The 1st Nations
• Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board about Two Spirit and LGBTQ Health
• Indigenous Pride - Connecting Communities

Trivia

• In 2013, on the eve of National Aboriginal Day and World Pride Toronto, Egale Canada Human Rights Trust – Canada’s only national charity promoting LGBTQ rights through research, education and community engagement – announced the launch of the Two Spirits, One Voice program.