Quote: "Two-spirit (originally termed Two Spirit and also known as two spirit or occasionally twospirited) is a modern, pan-Indian umbrella term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe Native people in their communities who fulfill a traditional third-gender (or other gender-variant) ceremonial and social role in their cultures."
A Native American term for individuals who embody both feminine and masculine qualities or characteristics, and may have spiritual, ceremonial, or societal roles.
Indigenous Cultures: Understanding what indigenous cultures are and how they define gender and sexuality roles.
Historical Perspective: An overview of the historical significance of Two-Spirit people in different cultures and regions.
Two-Spirit Beliefs & Traditions: Explore the beliefs and rituals that surround Two-Spirit people, and their role in their respective tribes.
Terminology: The different terms used to describe Two-Spirit people and their significance.
Gender Identity: Understanding gender identity in Two-Spirit culture and how it differs from Western culture.
Sexual Orientation: The role of sexual orientation in Two-Spirit culture and how it differs from Western culture.
Spirituality & Religion: The role of spirituality and religion in Two-Spirit culture and how it is practiced.
Traditional Healers: The role of traditional healers in Two-Spirit culture and how they work with Two-Spirit people.
Contemporary Issues: The current issues facing Two-Spirit people, including discrimination, invisibility, and hate crimes.
Community Support: The need for community support for Two-Spirit people and the ways in which it can be provided.
Activism & Advocacy: The history of Two-Spirit activism, and contemporary Two-Spirit activism work.
Queer Theory: How queer theory applies to Two-Spirit culture and identity.
Contemporary Literature: Understanding the representation of Two-Spirit people in contemporary literature, including books, movies and other media.
Art and Performance: The significance of art and performance in Two-Spirit culture, including music, dance, and other forms of expression.
Intersectionality: The intersection of Two-Spirit identity with race, class, and other identities.
Colonialism: The impact of colonialism on Two-Spirit culture and understanding the ongoing effects of colonialism.
HIV/AIDS: Understanding the impact of HIV/AIDS on Two-Spirit people and their communities.
Mental Health: The mental health impact of stigma and discrimination on Two-Spirit people and identifying as Two-Spirit.
Family Dynamics: Learning about Two-Spirit families and their dynamics.
Gender and Sexuality Education: The need for more understanding and education about Two-Spirit culture, gender, and sexuality for both Native and Non-Native groups.
Quote: "Coined in 1990 as a primarily ceremonial term, requiring community recognition..."
Quote: "In recent years more individuals have taken to self-identifying as two-spirit."
Quote: "Two-spirit, as a term and concept, is neither used nor accepted universally in Native American cultures."
Quote: "The initial intent in coining the term was to differentiate Indigenous concepts of gender and sexuality from those of non-Native lesbians and gays..."
Quote: "To replace the offensive, anthropological terms that were still in wide use."
Quote: "The term has experienced more academic and social acceptance than the derogatory anthropological term it replaced."
Quote: "Early adopters say two-spirit identity 'does not make sense' unless it is contextualized within a Native American or First Nations framework and traditional cultural understanding."
Quote: "It is frequently co-opted by non-Natives."
Quote: "Not all of these cultures have historically had roles for gender-variant people..."
Quote: "The gender nonconforming or third-gender, ceremonial roles traditionally embodied by some Native American and Indigenous peoples in Canada..."
Quote: "The roles varied widely, even among the Native individuals or cultures that use the term."
Quote: "Indigenous cultures that have traditional roles for gender-nonconforming people have names in their own, Indigenous languages for these people and the roles they fill in their communities."
Quote: "…no one Indigenous culture's gender or sexuality categories apply to all Native people."
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Quote: "While 'two-spirit' has been controversial since its adoption..."
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Quote: "The initial intent in coining the term was to differentiate Indigenous concepts of gender and sexuality from those of non-Native lesbians and gays..."
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Quote: "Coined in 1990 as a primarily ceremonial term, requiring community recognition..."