What does Two Spirit mean?
Two Spirit is a contemporary umbrella term used by some Indigenous peoples in North America to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine spirits or fulfills roles that go beyond a strict binary. It emerged as a way to connect Indigenous knowledge about gender and sexuality with the broader LGBTQ2S conversations that spread globally, while honoring ceremonial traditions that existed long before colonization.
Roots in Indigenous knowledge
Historically, many Indigenous nations recognized people who did not fit neatly into the binary categories of male or female. These individuals often held sacred roles within their communities, contributing to ceremonies, healing practices, and social cohesion. As one Indigenous scholar notes, the concept of Two Spirit speaks to balancing masculine and feminine energies, a view that resonates with questions of identity, spirituality, and community life.
Two Spirit and the 2S umbrella
Two Spirit is not a universal label across all Indigenous nations. Instead, it is a modern umbrella term chosen by some communities to describe a range of identities that blend or transcend gendered expectations. The term acknowledges both the spiritual and cultural dimensions of these identities, including responsibilities within families and communities, and the ceremonial significance that may accompany them.
Historical tensions and activist origins
In the 1970s and 1980s, many Indigenous people spoke of a disconnect between Western LGBTQ terms and Indigenous understandings of gender and sacred roles. The advent of the Two Spirit movement provided a language that centers Indigenous knowledge while engaging with LGBTQ2S discussions. This shift helped reclaim traditional ways of knowing and expressing gender, without erasing what was already meaningful within Indigenous communities.
What it means today
Today, Two Spirit is used by some Indigenous people to affirm identities that combine spiritual, cultural, and gender dimensions. It often implies a role within the community that rests on harmony, reciprocity, and ceremonial duty, rather than simply a sexual orientation or a binary gender label. As with any identity, it is essential to listen to how individuals define themselves, and to respect diverse terms used by different Nations and people.
Respectful engagement and language
When discussing Two Spirit, prioritize listening and learning. Use the terms individuals choose for themselves, and avoid assuming a single experience for all Indigenous people. Recognize that Two Spirit is a culturally specific concept tied to tradition, ritual, and community, and may not align with Western LGBTQ frameworks in every context. Education and humility improve conversations and help honor the communities involved.
Conclusion
Two Spirit offers a window into the rich diversity of Indigenous understandings of gender, sexuality, and spirituality within LGBTQ2S contexts. It highlights how communities have navigated history, found language that honors tradition, and supported people who hold unique roles and identities. By embracing this history respectfully, we can foster a more inclusive—and more accurate—dialogue about gender and Indigenous cultures.
