Indigenous LGBTQIA2S+ and Two-Spirit Community
Prior to colonization, Indigenous communities had clear understandings of diverse gender identities, gender roles, and sexuality. These understandings about gender identity and sexuality were impacted by colonization. As a result, Indigenous individuals who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and/or Two-Spirit experience discrimination both from the mainstream society and from their own communities.
"Two-Spirit" is an umbrella term used to encompass same-sex attraction and various gender identities in the Indigenous community. In this video, an individual can learn about the origin of the term "Two-Spirit", the history of the Two-Spirit community, and their experiences in modern times.
Stories of the LGBTQIA2S+ / Two-Spirit Community
In this article, some members of the Two-Spirit community share their experiences of being in residential schools and day schools.
The article highlights how Two-Spirit people, who were highly respected individuals in Indigenous communities, were forced to conform to Western ideology about gender and sexuality. The survivors also share stories of their healing journey.
Supporting the Indigenous LGBTQ2IAS+ / Two-Spirit Community
UNYA is a youth social services organization in British Columbia. Their program called "2-Spirit Collective" provides support and resources for Indigenous individuals (ages 15 to 30) who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ or Two-Spirit.
Two-Spirited People of Manitoba is an organization that began in Winnipeg in 1986. It is formed by the Two-Spirit community to provide support for each other and to plan community events.
They provide workshops and raise awareness which advocate for change to reduce homophobia and transphobia in Canadian society.
The Alberta GSA Network has a program called "Where The Rivers Meet" and it is a program that helps in uplifting and empowering Indigenous Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA2S+ youth in Alberta. Additionally, the program provides the youth with support through workshops that include traditional knowledge and teachings.