Two-Spirit

Two-Spirit is a term from some Indigenous cultures of North America for people whose gender or gender role is understood outside Western binary categories. The term is closely tied to Indigenous traditions, languages, and communities and is not used in the same way by all Indigenous nations. Not every Indigenous person with a non-binary or gender-diverse identity identifies as Two-Spirit.

For non-Indigenous people, Two-Spirit is not an appropriate self-designation. The term is culturally and historically specific and should not be used as a general synonym for non-binary, trans, or queer. When using the term, respect for the relevant Indigenous contexts and self-identifications is essential; because traditions differ widely, simplified statements about “the” Two-Spirit concept should be avoided.