WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A TWO-SPIRIT PERSON?

A person with two spirits is someone who is ambiguous about their sexual orientation, spirit identity, and biological sex. Consequently, it breaks with the binary view that was known until recently. We are talking about an important historical fact according to which sexuality and gender are considered the foundation of freedom.

Currently, it is known that homosexuality was normal in places like Ancient Greece, for example. However, for many centuries, the Western world distanced itself from this idea. But it has already become normalized again due to LGBTQ+ collectives, and because many countries officially recognize same-sex marriages and other gender identities.

Beings with two-spirit gender, that is, man or woman, have personalities and peculiarities that equally encompass aspects of both sexes. These are individuals who have a unique space in groups specific to Native American cultures, among others indigenous people.

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What does the term two spirits mean?

This type of community, the two-spirit people, has existed in different American tribes, but each was denominated in particular ways, according to their language. Thus, the term “two spirits” was taken from these to qualify them, which is currently very popular.

However, for many years, and in an almost humiliating way to define these people, the word “berdache” was used. This refers to a “kept or effeminate boy”, terminology imposed by colonizers who appreciated such realities in native peoples.

By 1990, at a conference of Native peoples in Canada, the decision was made to use the name two spirits. This is now embraced by the American LGBTQI community. Furthermore, it is part of their demonstrations, in which descendants of Ancient Amerindian peoples also participate.

All of this is to promote sensitivity as a method for addressing current gender and sexual orientation differences. On the other hand, in Europe, this inclusive term is not yet used. But it has indeed entered fully into terms of sexual freedom rights, and even in countless oral works and traditional songs.

A mix of feminine and masculine attire

In the region of the American continent, individuals with two-spirit genders occupy the same body. This can be observed in their way of dressing, as they mix their attire.

So their clothing is mostly a combination of different traditionally masculine and feminine items. They even have different gender roles in their tribes.

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Examples of individuals and personalities

The topic of two spirits was not the only one documented in anthropology, an area that includes what is often called the “third gender”. We are talking about people outside the binary classification. That is, without a defined masculine or feminine spirit, even if they have reproductive organs of one of these sexes.

For example, in Hinduism, there are the “Hijra”, men and women who also have two spirits. They are recognized in this way from a very young age and are not expected to have behaviors according to their biological sex.

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Similarly, in Mexico, Oaxaca, the “Muxes” are recognized, a concept very similar to that of two spirits, and which probably share some common root. We can also take the case of Polynesian culture, with the so-called “Mahu”. Therefore, we can conclude that it is an old topic.