Queer Indigenous Peoples

Queer Indigenous Peoples are individuals from Indigenous backgrounds whose gender identities, sexual orientations, or expressions do not conform to Western norms. Many Indigenous cultures historically recognized diverse gender roles, such as Two-Spirit people in North America, who embody both masculine and feminine qualities. These identities are rooted in cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs, and acknowledging them challenges colonial assumptions that marginalized or erased Indigenous perspectives on gender and sexuality. Recognizing Queer Indigenous Peoples involves respecting their cultural heritage and understanding that their identities are valid, complex, and integral to their community’s history and resilience.