Two-Spirit Identity

Two-Spirit is a term used by some Indigenous peoples in North America to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities or holds a unique gender role within their cultural tradition. It recognizes a third or complex gender identity beyond the Western categories of male and female, often linked to spiritual, social, and cultural roles specific to their community. Two-Spirit individuals may have distinct responsibilities and meanings assigned within their society, and the term emphasizes cultural identity, ancestral heritage, and the diversity of gender expressions in Indigenous cultures.