The Many Faces of the Two-Spirit People

Two-Spirit is a term for Native and Alaskan Native Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people. The term has a long history in many Native cultures, although it is not applicable in all tribes. It means having both female and male spirits in one person. In many tribes, Two-Spirit people were considered gifted and had special roles to fulfill in the community. The term "Two-Spirit" was adopted in 1990 at the third International Native Gay and Lesbian Gathering in Winnipeg, Canada.