What does 2-S mean in COMMUNITY

Two-Spirit is an umbrella term used to describe the gender identity and expression of certain Indigenous people in North America. This term reflects a unique blend of traditional identities that vary among tribes and nations, but generally recognize a person with qualities of both male and female genders.

The majority of people who identify as Two-Spirit come from Indigenous communities across North America, especially in tribal nations like the Ojibwe, Anishinaabe, Lakota Sioux, Creek, Cherokee, Seminole, Mohawk, Lenape and Lumbee. However, people from all backgrounds may self-identify as Two-Spirit.

In some cultures Two-Spirit people have traditionally been respected members of their community and held important roles. They often serve as mediators between their tribe and the spirit world or act as healers or shamans for illnesses believed to be caused by spiritual rather than physical forces. In addition to being bridge builders within their communities and beyond them with other tribes or nations they also served as teachers for children and acted as guardians of tribal traditions.

Unfortunately, many Indigenous communities have faced discrimination from colonial settlers that has led to the suppression of some Indigenous practices such as recognizing diverse gender identities. As a result there can be a certain stigma associated with identifying openly as a Two Spirit person. That said things are changing quickly due to increased awareness about nonbinary gender identities in general society and growing recognition within Indigenous communities for the cultural significance behind honoring diverse genders like those found within the Two Spirit spectrum.

While it is important to respect everyone’s individual right to privacy when it comes to gender identity it is also possible to create safe spaces that encourage individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves however they choose—whether speaking up in an open forum or signaling subtle cues such body language or dress or haircut choice that can hint at how someone else might identify themselves on the gender spectrum including where they land on the two spirit identity scale.

First be aware of your own biases around gender identity—particularly if you don’t come from an indigenous culture that has traditionally acknowledged multiple genders—and strive instead towards understanding not only what it means when someone self identitifies on this spectrum but also recognizing why it matters so much culturally historically medically socially legally etc.. Second make sure you use respectful language when addressing those who may identify differently than you while still respecting each individual’s right to their own personal boundaries; i.e., avoid assuming names pronouns or labels without asking first! Third try actively listening when conversations arise concerning two spirit issues whether around dinner tables talkshops forums conferences etc… Finally lead by example by seeking out learning opportunities through books documentaries movies etc.. about various genders established throughout history particularly those whose stories may have been marginalized over time.

LGBTQ2S+ stands for lesbian gay bisexual transsexual queer two spirit plus signifying anything beyond human definitions of sexual orientation or gender identity including crossdressers drag queens third genders intersex pansexual polysexual etc... It stands for all forms of sexual orientation belief expression sex character traits identity romantic affectional relationships status health style presentation pronouns political affiliations etc...