LGBTQ+: Labels and more

Two spirit

THE TWO SPIRIT FLAG

There is no widely recognized two spirit flag, so here is two of the commonly used ones:

Black represents the west and the physical body.

White represents the north and mental energy.

Yellow represents the east and emotional energy.

Red represents the south and spirituality.

Blue represents water and relatives.

Green represents plant medicine and responsibilities.

The sun and moon represent masculine and feminine spiritual role models.

DEFINITION

Two Spirit or Twospirited is an exclusive gender for Indigenous North Americans. Typically two spirit people fulfill one of many third gender or mixed gender roles found traditionally among many Native American and other indigenous groups. The mixed gender roles encompassed by the term may very based on the specific tribe, but historically often included wearing the clothing and performing the work associated with both men and women. Two spirit people often serve a ceremonial role as well.

Two spirit is commonly understood to refer to a person who has the spirit of both woman and man within them. The term is also used as an umbrella term by transgender, non-binary, and other LGBTQ+ Native Americans/indigenous people. Not all two spirit people consider themselves transgender, non-binary, or LGBTQ+.

Indigenous Peoples' Day is on the second monday of October.