I think I first heard this term in like 5th grade; it was probably during one of small collection of books my library had in stock. two spirited is not as simple as it seems and you really cannot explain the full meaning in words without overly simplifying the meaning of it. I think the meaning means something different to everyone thought but right now were talking about what it meant to the indigenous people and how their cultural and sexual identity was defined by it.
two spirited usually a word you see in media referring to the trans identity in native American culture was not just as simple as that it’s meant to be a unique word referring to native Americans who didn’t occupy normal societal roles. they were known to have both feminine and masculine spirits who identified as two separate identities inside of one body. Their society never crucified them as typical American culture does with people who see themselves this way though they saw them as gifted beings who could do task such meant for men: hunting, fishing, leading and task meant for women: weaving, gathering, teaching. they saw two spirited people as beings with deeper insight and perspectives that they could never think of. this word was never just meant to be used to refer to sexuality it was for healers, politics, and spiritual advisers. this word is mostly not even used by native Americans who identify as queer it’s mostly occupied by native Americans who identify as “straight”. two spirited is much more than a word it’s an understanding of life in two perspectives, it’s a sign of intelligence mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
two spirited was a word used to describe those blessed with the wisdom to deliver guidance maybe to them being two spirited was like being a prophet those who could speak and deliver the word of their gods. those whose thoughts transcend what normal human being is capable of. they who were angels reincarnated. ultimately what I’m trying to establish is that it’s meaningless and potentially offensive to categorize them and force them to conform into one theory or subject two spirited to me seems like the definition of not being made to understand I think in some weird way their like most of my poetry confusing they apply to all categories of life but never fit into a single one fully , they have the capabilities to make you laugh or cry depending on how you see them, they can give or even heal you.
I chose two spirited because it kind of relates to a term in African American culture or soulaan culture that I found people in church love to say when a child is extremely talented at something they brand them as having two souls or “having been here before” it kind of gives of the same mental understanding of not understanding something. I find it interesting how different races explore alike ideals even though they had different spiritual, and cultural traditions.
what does the term “two-spirited” mean to you?
how do you think in your culture people refer to this?
do they act irrationally like European colonizers? do they accept them and the wisdom that come with them?
The idea of “having been here before” was something I think I heard from my TT when I was younger. She was this little, old black lady that worked with my mama, and she was genuinely one of strongest and most amazing people I’ve known. This post is completely unrelated to her, but all of this mention of spirituality reminded me of her. Also, comparing Two-Spirit to poetry is the best way I’ve understood it. Great post all around.