The term Two-Spirit is a modern, pan-Indigenous term used by some Native American and First Nations people to describe a third-gender identity that encompasses both male and female spirits. This is not a concept of sexual orientation but rather a sacred and spiritual identity rooted in many pre-colonial cultures. Before European contact and colonization, Two-Spirit individuals held respected and honored roles within their communities.
They were often seen as being gifted with unique perspectives, serving as healers, visionaries, matchmakers, and storytellers. Their identities were traditionally considered blessings, representing a balance between feminine and masculine energies. The suppression of these roles and the persecution of Two-Spirit people were direct consequences of colonial influence, which introduced binary Western gender norms and homophobia. Today, the term is used to reclaim and revitalize these traditional spiritual roles and cultural understanding.
