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 term used in some Indigenous cultures to describe an individual who embodies both male and female spirits and traits.
Indigenous cultures and traditions: Understanding the historical and contemporary context of Two-Spirit identity within Indigenous communities and the impact of colonization on these communities' gender and sexuality.
Gender identity and expression: An overview of gender identity and expression, including the different ways people understand and express their gender.
Sexual orientation: Understanding the diversity of sexual orientation, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual identities, as well as the unique identities of Two-Spirit people.
Intersectionality: An understanding of intersectionality and its importance in recognizing the experiences of people with multiple marginalized identities, such as Two-Spirit individuals who are Indigenous and queer.
Stereotyping and stigma: An analysis of the negative stereotypes and stigma surrounding Two-Spirit people and how these can perpetuate discrimination and harm.
Health and wellbeing: Knowledge of the unique health issues and disparities that Two-Spirit people face, including higher rates of violence, suicide, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS.
Language and terminology: An understanding of the appropriate language and terminology used to describe Two-Spirit people and their experiences, and the importance of respecting and centering these communities' voices in discussions of their identity.
Cultural competency: The development of cultural competency as a healthcare provider, educator, or ally in working with Two-Spirit people and other Indigenous communities.
Policy and advocacy: An understanding of policy and advocacy efforts to support Two-Spirit people, including anti-discrimination laws, protective legislation, and social justice initiatives.
Community building and empowerment: The importance of building inclusive and supportive communities that recognize and celebrate the diversity and resilience of Two-Spirit people.
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..."