TwoSpirit

Two-spirit is a term used by some Indigenous peoples in North America to describe gender-variant individuals whose identities or roles blend aspects of both masculine and feminine cultural codes. It is an umbrella label intended to honor diversity within Indigenous communities but is not applied by all nations; each nation may have its own terms, traditions, and criteria for gender and spiritual roles.

Originating in the late 20th century, the phrase two-spirit was coined in discussions at Indigenous LGBTQ+ gatherings in North America to create a pan-Indian identity that acknowledges gender diversity and spirituality. It is not a direct equivalent of Western categories such as transgender or lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and it remains controversial or rejected in some communities.

Across cultures, two-spirit people have held various roles, including ceremonial leadership, healership, mediating social tensions, and performing gender-variant duties. The specific expression—whether more masculine, feminine, or androgynous—depends on the individual's community, family, and traditions. Some societies recognized formal roles or statuses associated with gender diversity; others anticipated more fluid expressions.

Today, two-spirit is used in advocacy and education to highlight the continuities between Indigenous spiritual traditions and contemporary understandings of gender and sexuality. Many Indigenous people who identify as two-spirit view it as a source of pride and resilience; others prefer to use nation-specific terms that predate colonial contact. The umbrella term is part of ongoing conversations about representation, cultural restoration, and the impacts of colonization on gender diversity.