Re-emergence & Resiliency of Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

Researched and written by Chelsea Bannatyne, 2024

The historical trauma inflicted by colonization has had lingering effects on the health and social status of Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples.  Prior to European contact, Two-Spirit people held places of honour and esteem in many First Nation societies who did not recognize gender as a binary. Two-Spirit individuals occupied crucial roles and with particular responsibilities, ranging from spiritual leaders to warriors and mediators[i]. The arrival of early European explorers, missionaries, and settlers and the imposition of rigid gender binary roles in First Nation communities marked the onset of profound cultural and personal losses for Two-Spirit individuals. The violent enforcement of Christian morals and social structures during colonization further embedded heteropatriarchal values that marginalized Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people[ii]. Social stigmatization and the loss of traditional roles have further marginalized Two-Spirit individuals, complicating their paths to recovery and acceptance within both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Research indicates that Two-Spirit people face higher risks of mental health issues, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS, all of which have been exacerbated by inadequate access to culturally appropriate healthcare services[iii]. Another consequence of colonization saw Two-Spirit individuals become targets of brutal and often fatal violence, incarceration and unjust persecution.[iv]. These accounts of Two-Spirit experiences have largely been erased and are continuously ignored.

However, despite this historical trauma and the ongoing issues faced by Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, there is a growing resurgence and revitalization of Two-Spirit roles and traditions in Indigenous communities across Canada and elsewhere. It is important to note that the Two-Spirit movement is not new. Two-Spirit people have always existed but were pushed underground and to society’s fringes to avoid persecution. The recent shift in Two-Spirit resurgence and revitalization started in the mid-to-late 20^th century when Two-Spirit individuals joined the gay and lesbian liberation movement in the 1960’s to the 1970s[v]. In the last three decades, the Two-Spirit re-emergence has been facilitated by the tireless efforts of Two-Spirit activists, scholars and community members who have worked to restore the visibility and importance of these roles within their cultures[vi]. This educational effort helps to combat the stigma that has shadowed Two-Spirit individuals for centuries[vii].

Two-Spirit individuals play a significant role in the cultural revitalization of Indigenous communities. For instance, the Two-Spirit movement has long advocated for language revitalization, their efforts in this area stress the importance of language use and documentation as a tool to express their unique gender identities and sexual orientations within their respective mother tongues[viii]. Cultural reclamation is vital to the personal and collective well-being. Saylesh Wesley’s work speaks to the “re-story” of Two-Spirit identities, integrating traditional roles with contemporary experiences. This process, she points out, involves rediscovering and affirming their place within their histories, and challenging and transforming colonial narratives[ix]. The reclamation of Two-Spirit roles also contributes to healing processes within Indigenous communities. By reclaiming traditional roles and participating in cultural and spiritual practices, Two-Spirit people aid in healing the wound left by forced assimilation and cultural loss. Through increased participation in ceremonies, community engagement, and in fulfilling leadership positions, Two-Spirit resurgence promotes a more inclusive understanding of community identity[x].

Two-Spirit advocacy has significantly impacted policies affecting Indigenous and Two-Spirit communities, including the many far-reaching recommendations documented in The Final Report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman and Girls 2019. Advocates have worked to ensure legal, healthcare and education rights among many others. Some of those calls for action highlight the need for more inclusive health services that are cognizant of Two-Spirit health needs, advocating for legal reforms to recognize Two-Spirit relationships and parental rights, and ensuring educational curricula include and respect Indigenous gender diversities[xi]. The Two-Spirit movement operates with a holistic approach. This model recognizes the intersections of experiences and stresses addressing the intertwined issues of cultural, linguistic and social revitalization, ultimately acknowledging how these aspects are essential to the health and well-being of Indigenous communities[xii]. In addition to policy implications, Two-Spirit advocacy has forged connections with global LGBTQ+ and Indigenous rights movements – highlighting the universal need for acceptance and diversity. These connections strengthen advocacy platforms for Two-Spirit people, allowing them to share strategies and strengthen solidarity across diverse cultures facing similar challenges. These are important contributions to ongoing dialogues surrounding decolonization, self-determination and healing.

One of the most impactful areas of Two-Spirit activism has been in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which disproportionately affects Indigenous communities, including Two-Spirit individuals. Organizations such as the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network highlight the role of Two-Spirit individuals in public health, addressing disparities and promoting inclusive healthcare practices[xiii]. The complex health challenges and unique healthcare needs of Two-Spirit people have also prompted calls for action within the Canadian healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of inclusive services that acknowledge and respect Two-Spirit identities[xiv].

The resiliency and re-emergence of Two-Spirit people counter colonial narratives and illustrate a much more powerful account of Indigenous history. Theirs is a story of recovery and affirmation. Despite facing historical persecution and violence, Two-Spirit individuals continue to reclaim their significant roles within their communities, and are facilitating communal healing. The journey of healing and decolonization taking place today challenges the legacies of colonialism but also ensures that the diverse identities found within Indigenous cultures are celebrated.