"My spirit in my heart": identity experiences and challenges among American Indian two-spirit women

J Lesbian Stud. 2006;10(1-2):125-49. doi: 10.1300/J155v10n01_07.

Abstract

Many Native women embrace the term two-spirit to capture their sexuality and gender expression. By analyzing the narratives of five two-spirit women who are Native activists, we explored contemporary understandings of the concept and what it means for Native communities. The incorporation of the identity within indigenous worldviews, its manifestation in terms of (be)coming out, and the triple stressors of heterosexism, racism, and sexism emerged as key themes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anthropology, Cultural
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Homosexuality, Female / ethnology*
  • Homosexuality, Female / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prejudice*
  • Race Relations
  • Self Concept
  • Social Identification*
  • Social Values
  • Spirituality
  • White People