17.4 Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ identities in Native communities
3 min read•august 9, 2024
Native American cultures traditionally recognized diverse gender identities beyond the binary. individuals, embodying both masculine and feminine spirits, often held esteemed roles as healers and spiritual leaders in their communities.
Colonization suppressed these identities, imposing rigid European gender norms. Today, many Native people are reclaiming Two-Spirit identities as cultural resistance, while facing unique challenges at the intersection of Indigenous and LGBTQ+ experiences.
Traditional Two-Spirit Identities
Gender Diversity in Native Communities
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- Two-Spirit refers to individuals embodying both masculine and feminine spirits in many Native American cultures
- manifests as flexible and expressions within traditional societies
- Many tribes historically recognized and respected multiple gender identities beyond the binary
- Two-Spirit people often held esteemed positions as healers, mediators, and spiritual leaders (Navajo Nádleehí)
- Traditional acceptance of diverse gender identities stemmed from holistic worldviews emphasizing balance and harmony
Cultural Roles and Responsibilities
- Two-Spirit individuals frequently assumed unique social and ceremonial roles within their communities
- Many tribes valued Two-Spirit people for their ability to bridge masculine and feminine perspectives
- Two-Spirit individuals often engaged in both traditionally male and female occupations and activities
- Some tribes believed Two-Spirit people possessed heightened spiritual insight and abilities
- Cultural practices and ceremonies sometimes incorporated specific roles for Two-Spirit participants (Zuni Lhamana)
Impact of Colonization
Suppression of Traditional Gender Identities
- Colonial authorities imposed rigid European gender norms on Native communities
- Christian missionaries condemned and sought to eradicate Two-Spirit practices and identities
- Boarding schools forcibly separated Native children from their cultures, including Two-Spirit traditions
- Government policies criminalized and pathologized non-binary gender expressions
- Loss of traditional knowledge and practices led to diminished acceptance of Two-Spirit individuals within some Native communities
Intersecting Forms of Oppression
- highlights the compounded discrimination faced by Two-Spirit individuals
- Two-Spirit people experience marginalization based on both their Indigenous identity and gender expression
- Racial discrimination intersects with homophobia and transphobia, creating unique challenges
- Economic disparities and lack of access to healthcare disproportionately affect Two-Spirit individuals
- and historical trauma compound the struggles of Two-Spirit people in contemporary society
Contemporary Two-Spirit Experiences
Revitalization of Two-Spirit Identities
- Modern LGBTQ+ movements have sparked renewed interest in traditional Two-Spirit roles
- Many Native individuals are reclaiming Two-Spirit identities as a form of cultural resistance
- Two-Spirit gatherings and organizations provide support and community for Indigenous LGBTQ+ people
- Some tribes have officially recognized Two-Spirit identities and incorporated them into tribal laws
- Contemporary Two-Spirit artists and activists use their platforms to educate and advocate (Kent Monkman)
Challenges and Progress in Native Communities
- Many Native communities are working to reintegrate Two-Spirit people into cultural and spiritual practices
- Two-Spirit individuals often face unique challenges in accessing culturally appropriate healthcare
- Some Native LGBTQ+ youth struggle with reconciling their identities within both traditional and modern contexts
- Efforts to document and preserve Two-Spirit histories and traditions are ongoing in many communities
- Increased visibility of Two-Spirit people in media and politics helps combat stereotypes and misconceptions
Key Terms to Review (16)
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring control over a territory and its people, often through force, and exploiting them for economic gain. It involves the domination of one culture over another, leading to significant cultural, social, and political changes in the colonized societies. The impacts of colonialism have deeply influenced indigenous traditions, artistic expressions, and social structures.
Community-based participatory research: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an approach to research that emphasizes collaboration between researchers and community members throughout the research process, ensuring that the knowledge generated is relevant and beneficial to the community. This method not only seeks to address health disparities and social issues but also empowers communities by actively involving them in decision-making and the interpretation of research findings. CBPR integrates local knowledge and cultural context into the research, leading to more effective solutions and interventions tailored to the community's needs.
Cultural Erasure: Cultural erasure refers to the systematic elimination or suppression of a group’s cultural identity, practices, and beliefs, often resulting from colonialism, assimilation policies, or societal marginalization. This concept is crucial in understanding the historical and ongoing impacts on Indigenous populations, where their languages, traditions, and social structures have been undermined or entirely erased through various governmental policies and societal pressures.
Cultural significance: Cultural significance refers to the importance and meaning that a particular cultural practice, belief, or identity holds within a community. It encompasses how these elements shape social norms, values, and individual identities, playing a crucial role in understanding the lived experiences of members within that culture. In many Native communities, cultural significance deeply influences the acknowledgment and expression of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ identities, intertwining traditional beliefs with contemporary understandings of gender and sexuality.
Dr. Qwo-Li Driskill: Dr. Qwo-Li Driskill is a prominent Two-Spirit scholar and educator known for their work in Native American Studies, particularly focusing on Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ identities within Native communities. They challenge traditional narratives and promote a deeper understanding of Indigenous identities, weaving in personal experiences and cultural perspectives.
Gender fluidity: Gender fluidity refers to a flexible conception of gender, where an individual's identity may shift between different gender expressions and roles over time. This concept challenges the traditional binary understanding of gender, allowing for a more nuanced recognition of diverse identities and experiences, particularly within Native communities that embrace Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ identities. Gender fluidity celebrates the complexities of identity, affirming that gender can be experienced and expressed in various ways that do not conform to fixed categories.
Gender roles: Gender roles are societal norms and expectations regarding the behaviors, activities, and attributes that a culture considers appropriate for men and women. These roles can vary significantly across different cultures and historical periods, influencing how individuals express their identities, including those who identify as Two-Spirit or LGBTQ+ within Native communities. Understanding gender roles in this context sheds light on the unique cultural expressions of gender diversity and the historical acceptance of non-binary identities in many Indigenous societies.
Historical recognition: Historical recognition refers to the acknowledgment and validation of the history, culture, and identities of marginalized or underrepresented groups. This concept is crucial for understanding the significance of diverse identities within communities and promoting social justice by reclaiming narratives that have been overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream history.
Identity Politics: Identity politics refers to political positions or activities that are based on the interests and perspectives of social groups with which people identify. This concept emphasizes the importance of personal identity, including race, gender, sexuality, and cultural background, in shaping political beliefs and actions. In the context of Native American communities, identity politics plays a crucial role in advocating for rights and recognition while also addressing issues related to historical injustices and cultural representation.
Indigenous lgbtq+ rights: Indigenous LGBTQ+ rights refer to the recognition and protection of the rights and identities of LGBTQ+ individuals within Indigenous communities, acknowledging their unique cultural contexts and experiences. These rights encompass issues such as social acceptance, legal protections, and access to healthcare, and highlight the importance of inclusivity and respect for diverse sexual and gender identities in Native cultures.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various aspects of a person's identity, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. This concept emphasizes that individuals do not experience their identities in isolation; instead, multiple social categories combine to shape their lived experiences and the challenges they face. Recognizing intersectionality allows for a deeper understanding of social injustices and promotes more inclusive resistance strategies.
Myra Laramee: Myra Laramee is a prominent figure in advocating for Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ identities within Native communities. She plays a critical role in challenging the historical stigma surrounding these identities, promoting acceptance and understanding of diverse sexual and gender expressions in Indigenous cultures. Laramee’s work emphasizes the importance of reclaiming traditional understandings of gender that existed before colonial influences disrupted Native ways of life.
Qualitative research: Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that focuses on understanding human behavior and the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to social or human problems. This approach emphasizes exploring the depth of experiences, feelings, and perspectives rather than relying solely on numerical data. In contexts involving identities and cultural expressions, such as within Native communities, qualitative research plays a vital role in capturing the complexity of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ identities.
Spirituality: Spirituality refers to a deep sense of connection to something greater than oneself, often involving beliefs, practices, and experiences that foster a relationship with the sacred. In various cultures, including Native American communities, spirituality encompasses not only religious beliefs but also a holistic understanding of the universe, nature, and human existence. It plays a crucial role in shaping identities, cultural expressions, and social structures, emphasizing the importance of balance and harmony with the environment and community.
Two-Spirit: Two-Spirit is a term used by some Indigenous North American cultures to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities, often encompassing gender diversity and fluidity. This concept reflects a broader understanding of gender beyond the binary, and it is deeply rooted in the spiritual, cultural, and social fabric of many Native communities.
Two-spirit pride: Two-spirit pride refers to the cultural affirmation and celebration of two-spirit identities within Indigenous communities, embodying a blend of both masculine and feminine qualities. This concept is rooted in the traditional understanding of gender and sexuality among many Native American tribes, where two-spirit individuals often held unique roles as healers, mediators, or spiritual leaders. The contemporary movement surrounding two-spirit pride seeks to reclaim these identities, combat discrimination, and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment in both Native and LGBTQ+ contexts.