Two Spirit

I first became aware of the idea of Two Spirit, reading a story here by "Teddie" (Not the LGBT one) but the one that has been with the Native Americans for a very long time. Remembering past conversations and incidents with my family, it seemed clear that I am from a branch of the Shawnee. Yesterday, it was surprising to find that my Counsellor at OHSU Teaching University brought it up and said that Native American Two Spirit is well recognized in her circles.

Transgender has never fit that well with me but as we talked she provided a comforting explanation as to why I feel both feminine and masculine at times. It is validating.

Gwen (Haseya)