2Spirit and Indigiqueer Health
"Colonialism has also had specific negative effects on Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer and LGBTQ+ Indigenous people. Though many Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island had diverse gender systems that exceeded the binary of men and women prior to colonization, the imposition of the European gender binary through residential schools and the theft of Indigenous languages has meant that a lot of these teachings are not accessible to us - and sometimes, our communities are not safe places for us. We know that homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are invasive species - our nations, peoples, and communities have teachings based on respect and self-determination that go back much farther than the hateful ideas brought over by colonizers."
From NYSHN'S You Are Made of Medicine toolkit.
2SLGBTQ+ & Indigiqueer Health
The term "Two-Spirit" (also stylized as: two spirit, two spirited, Two-Spirit, Two-Spirited or 2Spirit) is a pan-Indigenous term coined in 1990 at the third annual international LGBT Native American gathering in Winnipeg. Originally, Elder Myra Laramee shared the name "Two-Spirit" and it was quickly adopted to replace outdated, offensive language and to distinguish the experience of Indigenous peoples from non-Indigenous peoples. (Source: https://twospiritmanitoba.ca/we-belong)
Generally Two-Spirit is not a term used interchangeably to refer to Indigenous LGBTQIA+ or Indigiqueer experiences, although these identities may be closely connected for many people. Ceremonial and traditional cultural roles are frequently and exclusively associated with Two-spirit people. Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer work may (or may not) intersect with critical approaches such as decolonization and feminism.
See also X̱wi7x̱wa's Two-Spirit & Indigiqueer Studies research guide.
- An Introduction to the Health of Two-Spirit People - National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health
A review of the available literature on Two Spirit health.
- Meet the Methods series: “What and who is Two-Spirit?” in Health Research
Good introduction to two-spirit people in health research.
- Holistic Health of Two Spirit People in Canada: A Call for Nursing ActionThis study undertook a review of the literature to identify the gaps in understanding and to better situate the health and resiliencies of Two Spirit people in Canada.
- Reclaiming Space-Regaining Health: The Health Care Experiences of Two-Spirit People in CanadaThis paper documents the experiences of Two-Spirit people, both within society generally and in the context of health and health care.
- Native American Two Spirit and LGBTQ health: A systematic review of the literatureTwo Spirit and Native LGBTQ people have unique health risks and cultural strengths. This study analyzes 28 reports published since 1980 examining the health and identity-formation experiences of Two Spirit or Native LGBTQ individuals.
- Recent insights into the mental health needs of two-spirit peopleThis paper provides a review of issues impacting the mental health of two-spirit people. Research has documented high rates of poverty, disparities in rates of harassment and violence, PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidality, and substance use.
- Two-Spirit Journal: In Our Own Voices: Two-Spirit People Responding to Covid-19 Serieshe #Two-Spirit Journal is excited to launch a new series featuring faces, voices and stories of Two-Spirit people across this land as they are not only coping but thriving during these uncertain times of Covid-19.
Indigenous American/Two-Spirit Mental HealthISBN: 9780190067991Publication Date: 2020This chapter examines key factors shaping the mental wellness of two-spirit people, such as the negative impact of residential and boarding school incarceration, and highlights available data on anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, suicidality, and substance use.
See also the Two-Spirit & Indigiqueer research guide.
- Reclaiming Spaces Between: Coast Salish Two Spirit Identities and Experiences byPublication Date: 2018The intention of this study is to offer pathways for intergenerational healing and reconnections, cultural revitalization and transformation by weaving traditional Indigenous knowledges with contemporary narratives, in order to increase voice and visibility of Coast Salish Two Spirit People.
When Did Indians Become Straight?: Kinship, the History of Sexuality, and Native Sovereignty by Call Number: PZ R54 W43 2011ISBN: 9780199755455Publication Date: 2011Mark Rifkin offers a cultural and literary history of the ways Native peoples have been inserted into Euramerican discourses of sexuality and how Native intellectuals have sought to reaffirm their peoples' sovereignty and self-determination.
Reclaiming two-spirits : sexuality, spiritual renewal, & sovereignty in Native America by Call Number: PZ S55 R43 2022ISBN: 9780807003466Publication Date: 2022Reclaiming Two-Spirits decolonizes the history of gender and sexuality in Native North America. It honors the generations of Indigenous people who had the foresight to take essential aspects of their cultural life and spiritual beliefs underground in order to save them.
Living the spirit : a gay American Indian anthology by Call Number: YR R67 L58 1988ISBN: 9780312302245Publication Date: 1988
- Creating culturally relevant and gender-affirming servicesFrom TransCare BC. Actionable steps for healthcare providers to increase access to care for gender-diverse Indigenous & Two-Spirit people.
Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, the community members interviewed in these videos share their thoughts on how QTBIPOC folks are most affected by Canada’s colonial past, and reflect on what solutions for decolonizing sexual healthcare might look like. See more videos on this topic at QTHC.
- You Are Made of Medicine - NYSHNA Mental Health Peer Support Manual for Indigiqueer, Two-Spirit, LGBTQ+, and Gender Non-Conforming Indigenous youth
- Project PEACE Workbookfor Two-Spirit People that Support Healing and Empowerment through Community Safety Nets.
- Zaagi’diwin Inakinogewin | Love Law: A Policy Note For Protecting Two-Spirit, Non-Binary & Trans Indigenous Peoplesby Fallon Simard. Yellowhead Institute. 27 July 2022.
- Native Youth Sexual Health Network
The Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN) is an organization by and for Indigenous youth that works across issues of sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice throughout the United States and Canada. - Transforming Embers 2Spirit Wellness SocietyThis Society supports Coast Salish 2Spirit/urban Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ relatives & their families living on Coast Salish lands and waters.
- Stories of Two-Spirit Indigenous LGBTQ+ Indian Residential and Day School SurvivorsA project created and run by Canada Pride. The goal of this project was to recruit eight 2Spirit Indian Residential School Survivors (Story Tellers) to participate in a speaker series project in order to preserve and share their stories.
- 2Spirit Manitoba2Spirit Manitoba is an organization that seeks to improve the quality of life of 2Spirit (Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ People).
- 2Spirit Archive - University of WinnipegThe mission of the Two-Spirit Archives is to develop an internationally-renowned centre for research that supports the needs of the Two-Spirit community; makes Two-Spirit people visible in our documentary heritage; and supports the research, teaching, learning, and community mandates of the University.
- Two-Spirit Michif Local
The Two-Spirit Michif Local is the first of its kind in the Métis Nation. We’re a home for 2SLGBTQ+ Métis citizens looking for belonging, for family and friends, for support and a safe space. Our Local is part of the Winnipeg region.
Two Spirit Dry Lab
Two-Spirit Dry Lab (2SDL) is Turtle Island’s first research group or lab that focuses exclusively on Two Spirit people, communities, and experiences. They work to promote best practices in sex and gender research and to grow new knowledge(s) that can be applied to improve the lives, health and/or wellbeing of Two-Spirit and other Indigenous people.
- Beyond Counselling: Community and Culture as HealingPublished by Two Spirit Dry Lab.