Two Spirit Native Indigenous Resources

Two-Spirit (also two spirit or twospirit) is a general term used by some indigenous North Americans to describe gender-variant individuals who are a part of the Native American community. Originally adopted in 1990 from an Indigenous LGBT international gathering, it was intended to be used to encourage the replacement of the term 'berdache'. It is a spiritual role that is recognized and confirmed by the Two-Spirit's indigenous community. Most tribes use their own word in the native language for this role, but it can be used in inter-tribe ineractions. This term has generally received more acceptance and than the old term, though it is still not always taken well.

 

Two-spirit people with this gender role have duties that include include performing work and wearing clothing associated with both men and women.

 

"Not all tribes/nations have rigid gender roles, but, among those that do, some consider there to be at least four genders: feminine woman, masculine woman, feminine man, masculine man." (Wikipedia)

 

The presence of male-bodied two-spirits "was a fundamental institution among most tribal peoples" and both male- and female-bodied two-spirits have been documented "in over 130 North American tribes, in every region of the continent."

(Wikipedia)

 

Click here to learn more.

 

There is also a documentary available for viewing! Check out the trailer below: