Results: Two Spirits, One Heart, Five Genders

When the European settlers came to North America, one of the first traditions they targeted for elimination was the Two Spirit tradition among Native American cultures. Native American societies then acknowledged three to five gender roles: Female, male, Two Spirit female, Two Spirit male and trans-gendered. These Native Americans held intersex, homosexual and androgynous people in high esteem. Whether it was an especially feminine male or a masculine female, people were well-regarded, and respected for their spiritual gifts. It was the Europeans who decided the put an end to this confusing and what they determined to be "sinful" and "unacceptable" way of expression. So, along with the Native Americans' language, dress, customs and communities, they also decided to strip away their very accepting way at looking and embracing genders and sexuality. Who do you think had it right?

Two Spirit powwows are part of a growing movement among Native Americans who say rigid ideas of gender and sexuality are unfortunate remnants of colonization — participants say it's time to rethink native identities on their own terms. Many Native Americans were never taught about this part of their culture because it was stripped away and suppressed all those years ago. Now, with this movement, young indigenous people are feeling more free to come out to their family and friends, without fear of rejection. Have you heard about Two Spirit Powwows?

With their custom of believing that there were three to five gender roles: Female, male, Two Spirit female, Two Spirit male and transgendered, it would appear that the indigenous people were very forward thinking and advanced for their time. Do you agree?

The term Two Spirit refers to gender, while being gay or straight refers to sexual orientation. Therefore someone can be gay, but not two spirit (gender fluid), or be two spirit (gender fluid) and not be gay. It is always frustrating on this site to see how some people get the two mixed up. Gender identity and sexual orientation are two different things. Do you know the difference between the two?