Two-Spirit

               Current views on Two-Spirit individuals have been largely influenced by European ideas and thoughts. Terms such as: gay, dyke, fag and pervert have left many aboriginal people identifying with the Two-Spirit community largely misunderstood and marginalized, even from their own communities which have a history of understanding and reverence for these special individuals. "However, Two-Spirited people are determined to re-claim their rightful place within the circle of all Aboriginal people" ( Deschamps, 1998)." Using the word two-spirit emphasis the spiritual aspect of one's life and downplays the homosexual persona" (Jacobs, 1997).

         In pre - colonization times, Native American elders "tell us of people who were gifted among all beings because they carried Two Spirits, that of male and female" (Laframboise & Anhorn, 2008). In the days before European settlers came to North America, Two Spirited people were seen as highly respected individuals who often took important community roles such as medicine people, visionaries and healers (Laframboise & Anhorn, 2008). "It is documented in the academic literature that many American Indian cultures honored and respected alternative sexual lifestyles and gender roles" (Brown,1997). Two Spirited people were so respected that traditional Native American people honored Two Spirited people with a third gender ( Rainbow resource center, 2008). Two spirited individuals are also described as having mystical powers ( Rainbow resource center, 2008) which earned them high respect and power within their own communities, and also inter-tribally. Many studies done on Native American beliefs and cultures have found many different terms and names in many different languages for the Two Spirit concept (Laframboise & Anhorn, 2008). These studies show the wide acceptance and awareness that gender variant individuals received in pre - colonization times. Rituals in childhood, ensured that children were raised in the appropriate manner that fit the unique and special needs that were inclusive to third gendered individuals (Laframboise & Anhorn, 2008). Native American beliefs and attitudes surrounding people outside of the gendered normative, could bring empowerment to individuals and therefore build stronger, closer communities with fewer stereotypes and oppressions.

       Through researching Two Spirit teachings and beliefs, I have learned how narrow and judgmental Western labeling and categorizing can be to an individual. When categories are made, I believe that is the stepping stone to class systems and therefore oppression. As our society grows and accepts outside knowledge, maybe we can also learn to look at the wonderous gifts each unique  individual can offer.






References:

Brown, L. (1997).  Two Spirit People: American Indian, Lesbian Women and Gay Men. Binghamton,
                NY: Hawworth Press, Inc.

Deschamps,G. (1998). A Guide on Two-Spirited People for First Nations
                Communities. Retrieved  October 9, 2012, from
                http://www.2spirits.com/

 Jacobs, Sue-Ellen. (1997). Two spirit people:Native American gender identity, sexuality and spirituality. Illinois: University of Illinois Press.

Laframboise, S,. & Anhorn, M. (2008). Native American concepts of gender and 
               sexual orientation. Retrieved October 9, 2012,
               from http://www.dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org/twospirit.php

Rainbow resource center. (2008). Two-Spirit People of the First Nations. Retrieved
                 October 9, 2012, from
                 http://www.rainbowresourcecentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09
                /TwoSpirit.pdf





Larissa