Two-spirit
Definition
Two-Spirit describes a Native North American person associated with a traditional tribal third-gender, fourth-gender, or transgender cultural category, sometimes involving a ceremonial role. The term can also refer to a person described as bisexual, homosexual, or gender-variant within that cultural context.
Quick Facts
| Term | Two-spirit |
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What Two-Spirit means
Two-Spirit is a sexuality and gender-related term for a Native North American person associated with a traditional tribal third-gender, fourth-gender, or transgender cultural category. The category may include a ceremonial role.
The term can describe someone who is bisexual, homosexual, or gender-variant, but being both gay and Native American does not by itself make someone Two-Spirit.
Noun and adjective use
Two-Spirit can function as a noun for a person and as an adjective describing that person or related cultural identity. The term is used in Canada and the United States.