Love Builds The Bundle
2SLGBTQQIA+ Toolkit
Welcome to the Love Builds The Bundle 2SLGBTQQIA+ Toolkit
Glossary of Terms
Ally
A term to use to describe someone who is not part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community but, actively supportive of 2SLBGTQIA+ people.
Affirmed Gender
Is the gender that matches a person’s gender identity. This means if someone was presumed to be male at birth but identifies as female, then their affirmed gender would be female.
Agender
A person who does not identify with any gender.
Androgynous
A non-binary gender identity typically used to describe a person’s appearance or clothing.
Asexual
Complete or partial lack of sexual attraction or lack of interest in sexual activity with others. Asexual people may experience no, little or conditional sexual attraction.
Assigned Gender
The gender that is assigned to an infant at birth based on the child’s genitalia and other visible physical sex characteristics.
Bisexual
A person emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one gender, though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree. Sometimes bisexual is used interchangeably with pansexual.
Cisgender
A term used to describe an individual whose gender identity aligns with the one typically associated with the sex assigned to them at birth.
Closeted
Describes a person who is not yet open about their sexuality or gender identity.
Gay
A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to someone of the same sex. People of any gender identity can use these terms to identify themselves.
Gender
Gender is often defined as a social construct of norms, behaviors, and roles that varies between societies and over time. Gender is often categorized as male, female, or nonbinary.
Gender Binary
The concept that there are only two genders, male and female, and that everyone must be one or the other. Also implies the assumption that gender biologically determined.
Gender Expression
The way in which a person expresses a gender identity, typically through their appearance, dress, and behavior.
Gender Identity
The deeply half core sense of being male, female, some of both, or neither. Gender Identity does not always match with their biological sex.
Gender Spectrum
The concept that gender incorporates more then just the “male/female” binary model.
Intersex
A general term used for people who have conditions in which they were born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that do not fit into the typical definitions of male or female. This can include a baby being born presenting as a female externally, but internally having a mostly male anatomy.
Lesbian
A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to someone of the same sex. People of any gender identity can use these terms to identify themselves.
Pansexual
A person whose emotion, romantic, and/or physical attraction is to people of all gender identities and biological sexes.
Queer
A word that was used in a derogatory manner to insult people who were or thought to be part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Today the term has been reclaimed by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and is used as an umbrella term to refer to being part of the community.
Umbrella term for those who do not identify as exclusively straight and/or have non-binary or gender-expansive identities.
Questioning
The process in which individuals who are questioning their gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. This is a term also used by those that are still exploring their identities or used by some who do not want to label themselves with just one identity.
Sex
The biological and physiological features of a person which include genes, chromosomes, hormones, and the reproductive and sexual anatomy. Sex, in most cases, is assigned to someone at birth as either male or female depending on the genital’s a baby has at birth.
Sexual Orientation
The natural attraction someone feels towards others, this includes feeling romantically, emotionally, and sexually drawn to a person.
Transgender
An umbrella term that is use by those who’s gender identity is different from their sex that was assigned at birth. The transgender umbrella term can also include terms such as transsexual, transfeminine, and transmasculine as well as terms like non-binary, agender, bigender, and more
Two-Spirited
An umbrella term used by Indigenous people who identify as having both masculine and a feminine spirit. As an umbrella term, Two-Spirit, is used to describe an Indigenous person sexuality, gender identity/expression, and spiritual identity.
Phobias
The fear and/or hatred of or discomfort with people based off of their sex, gender, or other personal factors.
Homophobia: The fear, hatred, or discomfort with of those who are attracted to members of the same sex.
Transphobia: The fear, hatred, or discomfort with people who identify outside of Western binary gender norms.
Gender Expression
A person who does not identify with a single fixed gender or has a fluid or unfixed gender identity.
What is Two - Spirit?
What is the history of Indigenous peoples in relation to 2SLGBTQQIA+ knowledge?
What is the history of Indigenous peoples in relation to 2SLGBTQQIA+ knowledge?
Through conversations with Indigenous girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth, we continue to learn and grow our understandings of gender identity and sexual orientation.
Our research shows:
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Two-Spirit people are recognized and honoured for their gifts.
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Historically, Two- Spirit people held positions as advisors, healers, and leaders.
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Two-spirit people have roles and responsibilities and their own ceremonies.
Colonialism introduced patriarchy and normalized violence to those that did not conform to Western binaries of gender: male and female. Colonial violence forced Two-Spirit people into hiding. As they went underground, so did teachings of their roles and responsibilities.
History of the Term Two-Spirited
Elder Myra Laramee was bestowed by Creator the Anishinaabemowin term niizh manidoowag meaning two spirits. Two-Spirit, or 2S folks have always existed in Indigenous Communities. Two-Spirit is an umbrella term used to describe those who are given masculine and feminine spirit by Creator, including people who might be described in western culture as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, genderqueer or who have multiple gender identities.
Historically, Two-Spirit people were seen, loved, and respected as unique individuals in most Indigenous communities. They were gifted with keen insight and the ability to see things through both feminine and masculine eyes (double vision). Many held important roles within their tribes, such as chiefs, medicine people, marriage counsellors, caregivers, protectors and knowledge keepers.
It is important to think about how Two-Spirit identity will look differently for every community and person. Different communities will have different names with over 155 different words used across communities and languages to describe people with multiple genders.
Being Two-Spirit embodies much more than identity and includes important traditional and sacred roles within Indigenous Communities. Two-Spirit folks were known for their “wisdom, healing, and visions.” In the Mohave creation story it says “ever since the world began, there have been Two Spirit People, and from the beginning of the world, it was meant that there should be Two-Spirit people”. Traditional teachings about Two-Spirit folks can be found in the Midewiwin creation story of the Anishinaabe.
In some communities, when a Two-Spirit person reaches puberty, the community would hold a ceremony, placing the Two-Spirit child in a lodge and asking they pick a basket or a bow. Depending on their decision, this meant which path the child was going to be guided by the masculine or feminine. In other communities, vision quests guided Two-Spirit folks to their roles.
Male-embodying Two-Spirit folks had a wide range of duties including healers, undertakers, and creative work including beading, quillwork, and making regalia for dancing. Many engaged in masculine-centered activities such as sweat lodges but also engage in domestic responsibilities such as cooking. Female-embodying Two-Spirit folks engaged in duties including chiefs, hunter, fisher, medicine people, and peace keepers.
Indigenous Worldview
The guiding principle of Indigenous worldview is that all living things are connected. Appreciation for all living things is a prominent Indigenous value which comes directly from the Indigenous worldview.
Indigenous people live their lives under the principle that all living things contribute to the circle of life equally and should be acknowledged and respected as such. Indigenous people believe that connection to ourselves, to the Creator, to Mother Earth, and all living things are integral parts of existing. That is why the land and other natural life is so important to Indigenous worldview.
Understanding that all living things are connected and that every living thing plays an important role in the world is important to understanding indigenous worldview.
These principles are what guide the teachings, beliefs, values, and practices of Indigenous communities. Understanding the Indigenous worldview can help you have more empathy toward people with different perspectives.
Definition
Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples Today, Two-Spirit peoples are Indigenous peoples who (often, but not always) identify as any of the following:
• Gay
• Lesbian
• Bisexual
• Transgender
• Queer
• Other gendered
• Third/fourth gendered individuals
It is important to note that not every Indigenous person who identifies as LGBTQQIA+ will use the term Two-Spirit, and not everyone who uses the term Two-Spirit will identify as LGBTQQIA+. Two-Spirit takes on a different meaning for different people. Some Indigenous peoples use Two-Spirit to identify sexual orientation, while others use it to explain transgender identity. Terms for identification vary from culture to culture. We may not be aware of all identities present and defined within all Indigenous nations, but we respect and appreciate them, and remain committed to continued learning.
Dr. Myra Laramee, B.Ed., M.Ed., Ph. D (Education) of Fisher River First Nation discusses what it means to be Two-Spirit, as well as the term’s history and origin. In 1990, the term Two-Spirit was introduced at the third annual international LGBT Native American gathering in Winnipeg.
Video Resources
2S Bundle Videos
2S Bundle Videos
Trans And Native: Meet The Indigenous Doctor Giving Them Hope | AJ+
2 spirit people the balance bringers
2Spirited People and Ceremony
2022 January 2SLGBTQQIA+ Idenity
Coming Out
What is "coming out" and what does it mean?
“Coming out” is the personal decision of revealing one’s sexual orientation and gender identity to others, most typically to family and friends. The process of coming out is personal and different for everyone and can often trigger an emotional response ranging from fear and anxiety to relief and joy.
You, and only you, are in charge of your coming out experience. It's up to you to choose how, where, when, and with whom to be open about your sexual orientation (and gender identity). It may feel safer to start by being open with other people who also identify as LGBTQ. This could be online, in community centers, at an LGBTQ club or group, or with a few close friends.
Testing the Waters
An easy and fairly safe way to determine peoples stances, general opinions, and overall knowledge of the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community is to start the conversation by first talking to them about arms length topics. This can include:
- Events such as Pride
- Media topics such as movies or TV shows that feature people within the community or that you may relate to
- Social issues that might be in the news or media.
By keeping initial conversations distanced from your personally, it gives you an opportunity to disengage if the person is combative, or strongly disagrees. This also allows you to gauge their general stances and opinions on a wide variety of topics as well as allows you to address any misconceptions or misinformation they might have prior to having the subject be you personally. It also gives you an opportunity to provide your world views to them through a fairly safe barrier, while letting you know how they feel about the community in general.
Planning Coming Out
Before coming out you can ask yourself a series of questions to start the process and plan for potential reactions.
Who do I want to come out to?
You don't need to come out to everyone all at once. Choosing one person who you feel the safest around is a great way to start.
How do I want to come out to them?
You can come out in a variety of different ways depending on how you feel most comfortable or safe. This includes: in person, through text, over a phone call, in a letter etc.
What do I expect them to say?
Make a list of what you might expect their response to be, remember to write both the “good and bad” responses. People will react differently, some will be overwhelmingly positive, some will be neutral, and some may be negative. It is important to be ready for any outcome.
Do I want to prepare before coming out?
Some people prefer to write down exactly what they want to say before hand. Sometimes when we do things that make us feel anxious and we forget how to do something or what to say, so having it written down can help you to stay focus and say exactly what you want to say.
What are some good/bad responses I may hear?
Write down some of the responses you want to hear from them, as well, the one you wouldn’t want to hear. This can help you to prep how you want to respond.
How do I want them to react?
Not everyone is looking for the same response out of a coming out experience. Some people hope to feel loved and be showered with positivity, while others just want to know that nothing has or will change (as they are just the same person they were prior to letting people know.
What questions might the person have?
Coming out often comes with questions, you might have had the opportunity to get to know who you are, but others may not be as well versed in what you are saying to them. Knowing what those questions might be and having answers ready to help the person better understand can be helpful.
When Should I Come Out?
That depends on your situation. Its important to remember that even though expressing your true authentic self to those around you can feel good, it’s not a requirement and choosing not to come out doesn’t make your 2SLGBTQIA+ identity any less valid.
Some people never come out, some people are completely out, some people are selective of who they come out to. It is a personal choice, and the “right” answer for you may differ greatly from others due to your personal circumstances and level of acceptance/ support you may receive from those around you.
How Do I Come Out?
Coming out doesn’t have a single correct approach and while being open and honest about your sexual orientation and gender identity can often be empowering, its crucial to consider various factors before deciding to come out.
Telling Yourself
The first step is often coming out to yourself by accepting and learning more about your own sexual orientation and/or gender identity. This could include exploring what is means to be gay, trans or anything else in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Telling Others
Next, you might choose to tell others. This could be a family member, a close friend, a counsellor, or anyone else you feel comfortable with. However, it’s important to remember that this is not something you want to rush. Coming out to others is easier when your comfortable with yourself and have a good understanding of your own feelings and rely less on others for validations.
Repetition
Coming out is not a one-time thing. Many people initially assume that everyone they meet is straight and gender-normative. Because of this, 2SLGBTQIA+ people are constantly coming out. Every time you meet someone new (coworkers, friends, healthcare professionals, etc.) you will need to decide when and how to come out to them.
Safety
Unfortunately, coming out isn't safe for everyone in every part of their life. Homophobia and Transphobia exist, and people have different sets of personal beliefs that create their opinions. Not all of these beliefs and opinions align and provide safety to the 2SLGBTQIAA+ community. With that in mind, it is important to ask yourself questions before coming out:
Is coming out going to affect your safety?
Does coming out mean that you risk losing emotional or financial support from your family?
Could coming out put you in physical danger?
Could coming out lead to it impacting other parts of your life by them telling others who may not be as accepting?
Partners
