Introduction

Traditionally, a person’s sexual orientation also brought gifts of vision and understanding. People who were two-spirited (i.e., homosexual) were considered to have a great gift of vision that went beyond most people’s abilities. Because of the nature of the two-spirited person, it was believed that they could understand and help solve problems that both women and men have individually or between each other. They possessed the ability to see an issue from both perceptions. Two-Spirited people were not only considered normal, but a vital and much needed part of the natural world and of the community as a whole.¹ (click here for footnote)


It is a beautiful time now for two-spirit people, if one can learn to embrace oneself as a whole person. The advice I would give to two-spirit or gay youth is to go and speak to other people of two-spirit origin. Even sometimes our Elders are not educated. So you need to go directly to the two-spirit people who are visible and are doing that work. And don’t be afraid to talk to them. They want to share with you, and it’s okay to feel sad, or bad, or crabby or whatever. Being gay is who you are and you should be proud of that, and you play a significant role in your community. And the more you think about that, the more empowered you become, and the more empowered you become, the more you can contribute to your community and your family.
Two-spirit Métis from a large city


Two-spirit or two-spirited describes Aboriginal women and men who are physically attracted to and emotionally involved with people of the same gender. Along with bisexual individuals (who are attracted to both men and women) and transgendered people (women who identify as men and men who identify as women, and those who reject all gender labels), we form a small but vibrant and dynamic sexual minority in the Aboriginal population.

Unfortunately, most two-spirit and transgendered Aboriginal people live with high levels of discrimination and intolerance.

Like the non-Aboriginal community, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have grown to fear and reject those of us who are sexually different. As sexual minorities we struggle to feel good about ourselves, to find a community where we feel safe and accepted, and to get the services we need to be sexually healthy.

Luckily, more and more two-spirit people and other sexual minorities are talking to each other and to the Aboriginal community about their sexual orientation and identity, and others are reaching out to them. Things are changing. All of us need to look at our own attitudes and beliefs and find ways to return to old ways of accepting difference and celebrating each individual’s gifts.

During college, George came to terms with some identity issues that he’d been struggling with his whole life. In his last year of college, he "came out of the closet" as a gay man. "I think other kids saw it before I did and that was my first indication," George says of his youth and questioning his sexuality. "I used to get teased a lot by other kids, you know. I was the ‘faggot’."

Coming out was a long and frightening process for George. He feared he’d disappoint people who were important to him. However, he knew then and still acknowledges that it was time for self-reform and change. "I told my Mom and she said that she always knew, that she was waiting for me to know, and that I would come to her when it was time. She was really understanding and really supportive."

In recent years, George has also learned a lot (and is still learning) about his culture and the traditional roles of Native American two-spirit people. He feels the Native American community is very supportive of gay or two-spirit people. Rather than finding cultural conflict with his sexuality, he discovered a new sense of pride and belonging.² (click here for footnote)

Being "out" to oneself leads to living honestly and freely. The first time I was at a lesbian bar I nearly cried when I realized I could join the dance floor in a slow dance with another woman. No one would point and laugh at me. It was okay. I was finally free to be my whole self.3 (click here for footnote)

Different research studies have shown that gay and lesbian youth in particular have high rates of depression and suicide, and since Aboriginal youth also have high rates of suicide, two-spirit young people are at great risk. Alcohol and drug abuse can also be problems.

Family tensions because of sexual orientation can lead to violence within the family. As a result, youth can run away or be forced to leave the family home, and may end up on the street or in the sex trade.

While the rate of HIV infection among adult gay men has been falling, the rate among youth and Aboriginal people is rising, putting two-spirit youth at high risk of HIV infection. Community intolerance and living in isolated communities and places with few services makes it hard for youth to be tested and treated for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Two-spirit, bisexual and transgendered women and men often have difficulty finding health services that are sensitive to their particular needs, open and non-judgmental, and completely confidential. As a result, many people tend to avoid health services or to be less than honest when receiving care. This can have serious consequences for sexual health, for example, avoiding cervical and testicular cancer screening, and early treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.

The two-spirit people, so-called because we are seen as carrying both male and female spirits, are reclaiming our traditional status and taking leadership roles in our communities.

Our youth program developed a workshop on two-spirit issues. We were shocked at the level of homophobia we discovered within the community. People were verbally abusive to us. On the other hand, a young woman in the group came out to us afterward, so we felt we had reached someone and provided some support.
Youth worker in the West


Traditional Native societies for the most part held their two-spirit members in great respect. At the very least, they were accepted and made part of the community. They were seen as special, and as having spiritual powers. They could be shamans, go-betweens or matchmakers, but were always respected and had very specific roles in society.

Cultural reluctance to talk about sexual matters in general, and sexual diversity specifically, prevents two-spirit Aboriginal people from gaining acceptance in the community. Discrimination is widespread, and creates fear, especially in small, close-knit rural areas. Homophobia, the fear of homosexuals, needs to be addressed in Aboriginal communities.

Tips for Teaching About Sexual Diversity in Schools and Other Programs

As an educator, it is safe to assume that your class reflects the community it draws  from ... Approximately one in ten participants may be gay, lesbian or bi-sexual, or simply unsure about their sexual orientation. It is important to ensure opportunities to include discussions on a wide array of sexual identities.5 (click here for footnote)

Tips for educators:

• Look at your own attitudes and values about sexual minorities.
• Set and reinforce ground rules in the group or class that ensure respect, safety and privacy.
• Read up on sexual orientation issues.
• Use inclusive language such as "partner" rather than "girlfriend" or "boyfriend."
• Address put-downs and harassment such as anti-gay jokes, name calling, etc.
• Bring in openly two-spirit, bisexual and transgendered people to talk to the group.
• Talk about traditional beliefs about two-spirit peoples in different cultures.
• Order books and films and research web sites that are positive toward sexual minorities.
• Provide information, support and referrals to services for two-spirit group members and their families who ask for help.⁶ (click here for footnote)