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Two-spirit people and sexual diversity

Aboriginal Nurse, The, 2002

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While the rate of HIV infection among adult gay men has been falling, the rate among youth and Aboriginal people is rising, putting two-spirit youth at high risk of HIV infection. Community intolerance and living in isolated communities and places with few services makes it hard for youth to be tested and treated for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Two-spirit, bisexual and transgendered women and men often have difficulty finding health services that are sensitive to their particular needs, open and non-judgmental, and completely confidential. As a result, many people tend to avoid health services or to be less than honest when receiving care. This can have serious consequences for sexual health, for example, avoiding cervical and testicular cancer screening, and early treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.

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Supporting Two-Spirit People

The two-spirit people, so-called because we are seen as carrying both male and female spirits, are reclaiming our traditional status and taking leadership roles in our communities.

The Need to Change Attitudes

Our youth program developed a workshop on two-spirit issues. We were shocked at the level of homophobia we discovered within the community. People were verbally abusive to us. On the other hand, a young woman in the group came out to us afterward, so we felt we had reached someone and provided some support.

Youth worker in the West

Traditional Native societies for the most part held their two-spirit members in great respect. At the very least, they were accepted and made part of the community. They were seen as special, and as having spiritual powers. They could be shamans, gobetweens or matchmakers, but were always respected and had very specific roles in society.

Cultural reluctance to talk about sexual matters in general, and sexual diversity specifically, prevents two-spirit Aboriginal people from gaining acceptance in the community. Discrimination is widespread, and creates fear, especially in small, closeknit rural areas. Homophobia, the fear of homosexuals, needs to be addressed in Aboriginal communities.

Tips for Teaching About Sexual Diversity in Schools and Other Programs

As an educator, it is safe to assume that your class reflects the community it draws from ...

Approximately one in ten participants may be gay, lesbian or bi-sexual, or simply unsure about their sexual orientation. It is important to ensure opportunities to include discussions on a wide array of sexual identities.5

Tips for educators:

Look at your own attitudes and values about sexual minorities.

Set and reinforce ground rules in the group or class that ensure respect, safety and privacy.

Read up on sexual orientation issues. Use inclusive language such as "partner" rather than "girlfriend" or "boyfriend." Address put-downs and harassment such as anti-gay jokes, name calling, etc.

Bring in openly two-spirit, bisexual and transgendered people to talk to the group.

Talk about traditional beliefs about two-- spirit peoples in different cultures.

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Two-spirit people and sexual diversity

Aboriginal Nurse, The, 2002

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