What Two Spirit Means
Two Spirit, often shortened to 2S, is a term used by many Indigenous peoples in North America to describe gender diversity and spiritual identities that go beyond Western labels. It originated in a context where communities recognized that gender and sexuality were not limited to the binary categories of male and female or to the ideas of gay, lesbian, and trans as they have been understood in colonizing societies. Two Spirit serves as an umbrella for varied roles, identities, and ways of being that have long existed within Indigenous cultures.
As many scholars and elders note, Two Spirit speaks to a balance between masculine and feminine energies within a person. It is a concept that can carry spiritual significance and social responsibility, not just sexual orientation or a personal preference. The idea is encapsulated in teachings about harmony, reciprocity, and community balance, where a person may embody traits traditionally labeled as both masculine and feminine.
A Sacred, Nonbinary Understanding
Historically, Two Spirit people often held important, sacred positions within their communities. They contributed as healers, storytellers, teachers, mediators, and knowledge keepers, roles that were essential to the functioning and well-being of the community. The description of Two Spirit as a sacred balance reflects how Indigenous nations understood gender as part of the whole person and their relationship with clan, family, and ceremony. As elder GiGi (Georgie) Gagné explains, these identities existed long before the arrival of colonial terms and carried ceremonial meaning that could not be captured by Western labels alone.
Colonization, Language, and Modern Reclaiming
The arrival of colonizers disrupted many Indigenous understandings of gender and sexuality. Binary expectations were imposed, and the sacred roles of Two Spirit people were endangered or erased in some communities. In the late 20th century, the term Two Spirit emerged as a respectful, pan-Indigenous way to discuss diverse gender identities that do not neatly fit into Western categories. While not every Indigenous nation uses the same terms, and some retain distinct words and traditions, Two Spirit has helped many communities reclaim language, visibility, and pride in their own cultural frameworks.
Two Spirit Across Nations
It is important to note that Two Spirit is not a one-size-fits-all label. Different nations—First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities—have their own languages, terms, and ceremonies. The umbrella concept of Two Spirit acknowledges this diversity while offering a shared vocabulary for discussing gender diversity within Indigenous contexts. Emphasizing local knowledge means listening to elders, respecting self-identification, and avoiding a single Western framework that may misrepresent or generalize complex cultural realities.
Respectful Language and Practice
Speaking about Two Spirit with care means allowing individuals to identify themselves and share how they experience their gender and spirit. It also means learning about the roles and teachings unique to a person’s community, rather than assuming a universal experience. Allies can support by listening, asking respectful questions, and honoring ceremonies, languages, and protocols. Education, humility, and collaboration with Indigenous communities are essential to an accurate and respectful understanding of Two Spirit.
Conclusion
Two Spirit embodies a long-standing Indigenous wisdom about gender, spirituality, and community balance. Recognizing 2S identities honors the knowledge systems that predate colonization and affirms the ongoing vitality of Indigenous cultures. By learning about Two Spirit, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience and the sacred responsibilities that accompany it within Indigenous worlds.
