Two Spirit & LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
Two Spirit and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ youth are at higher risk of poor mental health, substance use, and suicidality. Many Indigenous and Tribal communities hold deep cultural values related to the understanding, support, and care for youth and 2SLGBTQ+ people and are actively working to decolonize harmful views and are uplifting their important and unique identities within communities.
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Cultural Narrative
The term “Two Spirit” emerged in 1990 from the Native American Gay and Lesbian conference held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Fish River Cree Nation Elder, Myra Laramie, shared the term “Nij Manidoag”, which translates to “Two Spirit” in English, to have a shared language around Indigenous beliefs around gender and sexuality. While many Tribes have specific terms for traditional gender and sexuality identities, the term became a starting place for contemporary efforts to reject colonial, Western, and Christian definitions.
Several community members shared their commitment to and concern about the mental and emotional wellness of 2SLGBTQIA young people. Specifically, members discussed their responsibility to create safe and supportive spaces for these youth.
One community member shared the origin of “Two Spirit,” noting that it is a term some consider derogatory, given its use to mean “the crazy one”. The community member shared that she prefers the interpretation of two spirits as “the changing one,” along with the Navajo belief in seven masculine gender identities and eight feminine ones. She explains that each of these identities has a role and responsibility to their communities. Specifically, she described how wolf packs often organize and function collectively around roles and responsibilities they have within the pack. This teaching allows us to see that all gender identities, specifically those described in Navajo culture, each have an important and unique role within the Tribe and community and are revered and respected for their contributions.
This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your clinician before using any remedy. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any medical conditions.