Two-Spirit:

For many, Two-Spirit refers to Indigenous people who embody both masculine and feminine qualities. The term honours the fluid nature of gender and sexuality and reflects a connection to the spiritual realm.

Teachings around Two-Spirit often describe it as a spiritual gift and a connection to ancestors or ceremony.

It’s important to remember that Two-Spirit is not a term for non-Indigenous people and carries deep cultural significance unique to each Indigenous nation.

Indigiqueer:

Indigiqueer refers to Indigenous people who identify with the broader Queer Community. While Two-Spirit often integrates traditional spiritual teachings, Indigiqueer tends to focus on the intersection of Indigenous identity and queer experience in modern political and social contexts. It highlights the contemporary challenges and activism of being both Indigenous and queer, without necessarily being tied to specific spiritual frameworks.

Many Indigenous queer folks identify with this term if they want to describe their context of being both Indigenous and LGBTQ+ but don’t necessarily connect that identity with spiritual teachings, ceremony, or connections with ancestors.

When in doubt - just ask!

Comparison statement by: Mischa Oak, LGBTQ+ Speaker and Trainer