Two-Spirit
Two-Spirit is an umbrella term and it describes an individual with both a masculine and a feminine spirit living in their body. It’s not purely a gender identity, but also a spiritual and role identity, it goes beyond sex and gender.
The essentials and some history
The term Two-Spirit was introduced in 1990 at the Third Annual Inter-Tribal Native American/Canadian First Nations Gay/Lesbian gathering that was held in Winnipeg, Canada. The original word was Niizh manidoowag (meaning “having both a feminine spirit and masculine spirit within one’s body” in the Ojibwe language), and then it was translated into English.
That’s when historical acceptance of non-binary Canadian Aboriginal peoples and Native Americans was finally acknowledged. As a result of this, Canada and the USA, and then the whole world discovered that Two-Spirit individuals played an important role in Indigenous tribes’ cultures long before colonization.
Two-Spirit is an umbrella term. Specific responsibilities and roles for Two-Spirit individuals vary from tribe to tribe.
Each tribe has its own concept of what it means to live the Two-Spirit experience.
Two-Spirit has a different name in each Aboriginal language, too. For instance, in the Cree language, Two-Spirit individual is called aayahkwew (meaning “neither man nor woman”), while the Navajo people call a Two-Spirit person Nádleehí (“one who is transformed”). Here are some other examples: the Hemaneh (“half male, half female”) among the Cheyenne people, Onón:wat in the Mohawk language (meaning “I have the pattern of two spirits inside my body“), and the Winkté (a man who behaves as a woman) in the Lakota tribes.
Basically, Two-Spirit is a role that was attributed to genderfluid, gender non-conforming, genderqueer people in Native American and Canadian Indigenous tribes. If one doesn't come from a tribe, they can't claim that role. But the strength, resilience, and unbreakable will of Two-Spirit people are definitely to be shared with every nation.
Where does the term Two-Spirit come from?
How is Two-Spirit different from gender non-conforming, genderqueer, gay, lesbian, genderfluid?
To be Two-Spirit can mean being all of these, or none of these. The thing is that the Western mindset categorizes everything based on “norm” and “outside the norm” standards. People are being imposed boxes they should fit into (gay, lesbian, genderqueer, etc.).
Two-Spirit, on the contrary, acknowledges the full spectrum of gender identities and expressions and is all about being comfortable with gender fluidity.
What pronouns should be used?
Normally, Two-Spirit people prefer “they”. But it’s always a matter of every Two-Spirit individual’s personal choice what pronoun should be used to address them. So if you are having a conversation with a Two-Spirit, be sure and ask politely what pronoun they prefer.
Two-spirit pride flags
The first and probably the most popular Two-Spirit flag design was created by 2Sanon in 2016. The two feathers symbolize woman and man, and the circle represents unity in one. It's typically put over the gay flag, but it can also be put on the transgender or non-binary flag:
Another version of the flag was made by Miigwan (a Tumblr user) in 2019:
The sun stands for the masculine and the moon, for the feminine. The black color represents the physical body and the west. The meaning of the white is the mind and the north. The yellow color stands for emotions and the east, while the red stands for spirituality and the south. The blue color represents family and water, and the green symbolizes plant medicine and responsibilities.
A third one was made by an LGBTQA-Pride-icons user snozzzz:
The yellow color symbolizes nonbinary identity, the pink stands for femininity, the blue represents masculinity, and the brown, Indigenous blood.
And here’s one more popular flag that was created by a Twitter user sirieko in 2021:
The white color symbolizes Two-Spirit people who are also members of the LGBTQ+ community, the yellow stands for American Natives/Canadian Aboriginal peoples’ connection to their ancestors, cheerful spirit, and sun rays that bring warmth. The green is used to express how Native Americans are connected to their tribes and Mother Earth, the blue stands for the blessing to be a Two-Spirit, their wisdom, and the perspective they share, while the purple symbolizes their spiritual powers and their oneness with the Universe.
The best way to support Two-Spirit friends or family
Two-Spirit individuals face many challenges in contemporary society. They feel marginalized. Historically, it was different - Two-Spirit people were an integral part of their communities and were highly esteemed members of their tribes. They were seen as wise people, visionaries, or even leaders.
Fortunately, over the past 30 years, society has become more accepting of Two-Spirit people thanks to community support and shared learning. When a person decides to come out as Two-Spirit, what they really do is "come in" and "come back" where they belong and into the roles that they have always played.
It’s important to show your Two-Spirit friends you’re there for them and lift them up. It’s not a hard thing to do. All you need is to remember the following:
- You should listen to them and show them you’re always ready to support them;
- Learning more about Two-Spirit identity never hurts, it can actually help you understand them much better;
- Even if you don’t fully understand what this identity is about, just do your best to be respectful and friendly with your Two-Spirit friend or family member.