It encompasses a variety of understandings of gender.
The term is sometimes used to describe variations of sexuality as well.
What Does Two Spirit Mean?
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Within Indigenous communities, these individuals historically fulfilled specialized roles in both work and spiritual practices.
While this is a relatively new term, it describes a very old tradition of gender fluidity.
Two Spirit is often included under the umbrella of theLGBTQ+ acronym.
It is important to note that there is no single, universal definition of what Two Spirit means.
It is also important to note that Two Spirit is culturally specific to Indigenous groups.
In many Indigenous cultures, Two Spirit individuals are seen as being two identities that occupy one physical body.
Native American beliefs suggest that some people are born with both masculine and feminine spirits.
Each person with two spirits carries their identity differently, which is uniquely experienced and expressed.
And many people identify as Two Spirit as well as another sexual identity such as queer.
Two Spirit communities have gained greater prominence, particularly among Indigenous youth.
Today, Two Spirit communities are working to help restore many of these traditions.
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