"Two-Spirit people have always existed in, and been an intrinsic part of, Indigenous communities. A Two-Spirit person was seen as embodying both male and female characteristics, which the community recognized as giving them greater insight, knowledge, and responsibility. They were valued as visionaries, healers, caregivers, medicine people, warriors, and leaders, and they were respected as equal and vital members of Indigenous societies” (Native Youth Sexual Health Network)
Note, it is important to remember that not every Indigenous person who identifies as LGBTQ will use Two Spirit and not everyone who uses Two-Spirit will identify as LGBTQ.Some may identify with terms that are specific to the gender diversity within their community such as winkt (Lakota) or nàdleehé (Dinah).
For more information regarding Two-Spirit identity, refer to the following links:
Vowel, Chelsea (Métis) (2012). Language, culture, and Two-spirit identity. Âpihtawikosisan: http://apihtawikosisan.com/2012/03/language-culture-and-two-spirit-identity/
Wilson, Alexandria (Opaskwayak Cree Nation) (2015). Two-spirit people, body sovereignty, and gender self-determination: http://redrisingmagazine.ca/two-spirit-people-body-sovereignty-and-gender-self-determination/
For more videos from our study, check out the following link:
http://www.lgbtqfamiliesspeakout.ca/videos/category/two-spirit-people