Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer: Learning Beyond the Labels

Written by Lindsay Brant, Director, Indigenous Initiatives  

Have you ever encountered a word that opened the door to a story you didn't know existed? For many people, that moment comes when they first hear the terms Two-Spirit or Indigiqueer. While it may be tempting to look for a quick definition, these words represent much more than labels. They connect to conversations about identity, culture, history, and resilience. 

Before exploring these terms, it's important to remember that there is no single Indigenous experience. Across Turtle Island, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have distinct cultures, languages, and traditions. Understanding that diversity helps us approach these conversations with respect rather than assumptions. 

Understanding Two-Spirit 
The term Two-Spirit was adopted in 1990 at a gathering of Indigenous LGBTQ+ people in Winnipeg. Although it is sometimes described as embodying both masculine and feminine spirits, its meaning often extends beyond gender or sexual orientation. 
For many, Two-Spirit identity is connected to community, spirituality, cultural teachings, and traditional roles. It reflects Indigenous ways of understanding identity that do not always align with Western categories. 

Reclaiming What Was Suppressed 
Before colonization, many Indigenous nations recognized a range of gender identities and social roles. These understandings differed between communities, but many were more expansive than the rigid gender norms later imposed through colonial institutions. 
The effects of colonization, residential schools, and cultural suppression disrupted those traditions. Today, many Two-Spirit people see their identity as part of a process of reconnection and cultural reclamation. 

What Is Indigiqueer? 
Indigiqueer combines the words "Indigenous" and "queer." The term creates space for people whose identities exist at the intersection of both experiences. 
Often used in art, activism, literature, and academic spaces, Indigiqueer highlights Indigenous perspectives within queer communities while also bringing queer perspectives into conversations about Indigeneity. 

Different Terms, Different Meanings 
Although some people identify as both Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer, the terms are not interchangeable. Others may identify with one but not the other—or neither. 
What matters most is respecting how individuals choose to describe themselves. 

Why These Conversations Matter 
Learning about Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer identities challenges the idea that gender and sexual diversity are purely modern concepts. Indigenous histories tell a more complex story. They also remind us that identity is shaped by more than gender or sexuality alone. Culture, language, spirituality, family, and community all play a role. 

No article can capture the full diversity of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer experiences. The best place to begin is by listening to Indigenous authors, artists, Elders, and community members. Sometimes meaningful learning starts with a single unfamiliar word—and the curiosity to learn more. 

For further learning, check out the Recommended Reading List for Indigenous History Month offered by the The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, which features the works of many 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous authors/poets.  

To all 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, we see you, we value you, and you belong! Celebrate all that you are this month and know that you are cherished! To those aspiring allies out there – keep learning, growing, and sharing your knowledge, and keep standing alongside our communities respectfully. Keep courageously raising your voices, and amplifying our stories, to advocate for equity, belonging, and kindness for all!