2SLGBTQ+ Resources

Welcome

Welcome to the Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ resources page on the OJJDP Tribal Youth Resource Center website! We strive to bring education and awareness of the many struggles, challenges, and triumphs of our Alaskan Native and American Indian youth, including our youth who identify as Two-Spirit or Native LGBTQ+. TYRC is working to bring acceptance, inclusiveness, empathy, compassion, support, and equity for our youth who identify as Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ relatives. With this page, we hope to bring understanding and education for those who are working with Native youth in their communities.

We-Wha
We-Wha (Zuni) 1849-1896

▸ Was a cultural ambassador for her Zuni Pueblo people.
▸ Known for her artistry as a weaver and a potter.
▸ She was also active in her community’s ceremonies and religious societies. 
▸ Considered “most intelligent person in the pueblo” and loved by all children, to whom she was ever so kind.
▸ Anthropologists studied her artwork and interviewed her on her Zuni culture and religion.

Hastiin Klah
Hastiin Klah 1867-1937

▸ Was considered a “third-gendered” Native person
▸ Was a Navajo medicine man and master weaver.
▸ The Navajos believed that Hasteen Klah was honored by the Gods and was expected to master both the female role of weaving and the male role of medicine man.
▸ Mastered eight different Navajo spiritual ceremonies while other medicine persons only mastered two.
▸ Created sand painting style Navajo rugs, many of which are hanging in museums.

Osh-Tisch
Osh-Tisch (left)

▸ Was a “third-gendered” person.
▸ Assigned as male at birth but dressed in women’s clothes and performed women’s roles in her tribe in the Crow Nation.
▸ Occasionally, Osh-Tisch would dress in men’s clothes and would fight as a warrior.
▸ Osh-Tisch was considered a leader among other “third-gendered” peoples in her tribe.

Charlie the Weaver
Charlie the Weaver (right) & Friend (1895)

▸ He was a member of the Navajo tribe and he was a weaver, which was an art form usually done by women of the tribe.
▸ Charlie was known for wearing clothing that differed from both male and female styles.

Pine Leaf (Crow)
Pine Leaf (Crow) 1806-1858

▸ Chief & warrior of the Crow people.
▸ She earned acclaim for her horse riding, marksmanship, and ability to field-dress a buffalo.
▸ Unlike other Two-Spirits, she wore typical female clothing rather than adopting men’s garments.
▸ She married four wives, which increased the wealth and prestige of her lodge.

Two Lakota Women
Two Lakota Women (in their 90’s who lived together until death, 1890 (Spirit & Hall, 2022)
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Resources

Explore resources by topic below or download our compiled Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ Resource Guide.

Resources for Native LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth
  • LGBTQ2S (Two-Spirit) Resources | SOUTHWEST INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S COALITION (swiwc.org)
    • Description: Southwest Indigenous Women’s Coalition (SWIWC) is a “statewide tribal domestic and sexual violence coalition that has been serving the Tribes in Arizona since 2006, [whose] primary purpose is to help tribes increase their capacity to better address and respond to the violence occurring in their respective communities [through] training, technical assistance, policy advocacy, education, and outreach” (SWIWC Website). In addition to their governing board, SWIWC has a Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Advisory Council. The above link goes directly to their LGBTQ2S (Two-Spirit) Resources page, providing links to numerous other resources supporting LGTBQ2S youth.
  • NativeLove Resources | NIWRC
    • Description: NIWRC provides “national leadership to end violence against American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women by lifting up the collective voices of grassroots advocates and offering culturally grounded resources, technical assistance and training, and policy development to strengthen tribal sovereignty” (NIWRC Website). Their youth project, NativeLove (linked above), offers various resources and toolkits to support Native youth wellness, particularly in the context of relationships with self and others. Resources include toolkits and sites specifically geared towards supporting Native 2SLGTBQ+ youth.
  • Montana Two Spirit Society
    • Source: Montana Two Spirit Society
    • Description: The Montana Two Spirit Society was founded in 1996 as a result of a combined effort between Montana’s Pride Inc. and the Montana Gay Health Task Force and their efforts to establish an annual Two Spirit Gathering. The gathering has continued to grow over the years, and the Montana Two-Spirit Society’s work has expanded beyond the Two Spirit Gathering to include conducting workshops and presentations at conferences, networking with other Two Spirit societies, hosting the International Two Spirit Gathering, and collaborating with other organizations. Resources, events, and information on networking opportunities are available on their website.
  • BAAITS – Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits
    • Source: Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits
    • Description: BAAITS is a community-based, volunteer-run organization offering culturally relevant activities for Native LGBTQ+ individuals and their communities. Their mission statement reads, “Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits (BAAITS) exists to restore and recover the role of Two-Spirit people within the American Indian/First Nations community by creating a forum for the spiritual, cultural and artistic expression of Two-Spirit people” (BAAITS Website). BAAITS offers online and in-person events, as well as programming and a variety of resources offering direct support to Native 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
  • LGBT – Two Spirit – We R Native
    • Description: We R Native is a comprehensive health resource for and by Native youth, intended to promote “holistic health and positive growth in our local communities and nation at large” (We R Native Website). Their Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ+ page offers a wide variety of resources to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth, including links to articles and videos authored by Native 2SLGBTQ+ youth and adults.
  • Know Your Rights | National Center for Transgender Equality (transequality.org)
    • Description: The National Center for Transgender Equality “advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people” (National Center for Transgender Equality Website). The “Know Your Rights” section of their website, linked above, provides individuals access to resources that explain up-to-date explanations of transgender rights, e.g., while traveling, when seeking documents, in the health care system, and in the housing market. The Center also has a set of self-help guides for obtaining health coverage, ID, and legal services.
  • WPATH World Professional Association for Transgender Health (Directory for Transgender Health Service Providers)
    • Source: World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
    • Description: Directory provided by WPATH for transgender youth to find trained, trans-affirming healthcare providers. Individuals can search by location, specialty, and/or name. Note: also linked in the “Resources for Healthcare Providers of Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit Youth” section.
  • The Trevor Project | For Young LGBTQ Lives
    • Source: The Trevor Project (nonprofit)
    • Description: Nonprofit whose mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ+ and questioning young people through crisis services, peer support, research, public education, and advocacy.
  • TwoSpiritSocieties.pdf (tribalinformationexchange.org)
    • Description: Resource sheet compiling links to websites, Facebook pages, and contact information for Two-Spirit societies across the United States and Canada. Linked in the Capacity Building Center for Tribes resource guide, “Working with Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ Youth,” published in April 2020.
  • TwoSpiritSocieties.pdf (tribalinformationexchange.org)
    • Description: Resource sheet compiling links to websites, Facebook pages, and contact information for Two-Spirit societies across the United States and Canada. Linked in the Capacity Building Center for Tribes resource guide, “Working with Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ Youth,” published in April 2020.
  • Get Help – Transgender Law Center
    • Description: The Transgender Law Center is the “largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to determine their futures” (Transgender Law Center Website). The organization uses community-driven strategies to help transgender individuals get the support that they need. This link is directly to the Transgender Law Center helpdesk, offering resources, publications, and individualized support for individuals who need help with employment, housing, identify documents, and any/all other legal challenges they may face as a result of their identity. Note: also linked in the “Resources for Individuals Working with LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth in the Child Welfare System and/or Juvenile Justice System” section.
  • Legal Help Desk – Lambda Legal
    • Description: Lambda Legal’s Help Desk offers resources and general information connected to discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status. Lamba Legal’s attorneys serve the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV. Beyond the Help Desk, site visitors can explore the cases for which Lamba Legal attorneys have served and read LGBTQ+ and HIV-related publications available online. Note: also linked in the “Resources for Individuals Working with LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth in the Child Welfare System and/or Juvenile Justice System” section.
  • National LGBTQ Legal Aid Forum – National Center for Lesbian Rights (nclrights.org)
    • Description: “The National LGBTQ Legal Aid Forum is a listserv dedicated to improving legal services for low-income LGBTQ clients. This listserv is a forum for members to post questions and answers related to serving LGBTQ clients, and to share resources and updates on new developments in LGBTQ-related law” (NCL Rights Website). Note: NCL Right Website also linked in the “Resources for Individuals Working with LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth in the Child Welfare System and/or Juvenile Justice System” section.
  • Two-Spirit Mental Health Peer Support Manual — Native Youth Sexual Health Network
    • Description: Native Youth Sexual Health Network is an organization focused on issues of health rights and justice for youth across the U.S. and Canada. Linked is a manual written “by and for Indigiqueer, Two-Spirit, and LGBTQ+ Indigenous youth,” offering ideas, resources, and support to those youth experiencing mental health and wellness challenges. Note: also linked in the “Resources for Healthcare Providers of Native 2SLGBTQ+ or Questioning Youth and/or Adults” section.
  • Online Therapy Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community – Online Therapy
    • Description: A set of online therapy resources geared specifically towards the LGBTQ+ community. Among other helpful tools, this page provides an outline of common mental health issues that many LGBTQ+ individuals face, informational section(s) on how online therapy works (and can work specifically for LGBTQ+ people), how to find the right provider, and other resources. Note: also linked in the “Resources for Healthcare Providers of Native 2SLGBTQ+ or Questioning Youth and/or Adults” section.
  • LGBTQ & Gay-Friendly Rehab Centers Near Me (americanaddictioncenters.org)
    • Description: This article, published by the American Addiction Centers, provides information about addiction treatment that is tailored to LGBTQ+ patients, as well as tools for finding an LGBTQ+- friendly rehab center.  
  • Get Support – PFLAG
  • Description: Founded in 1973 by a mother and her son, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, PFLAG offers direct support, virtual community, and online resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families. The link above takes 2SLGBTQ+ community members directly to the support page for access to local and virtual support and community conversations, as well as a link to multiple crisis lines for those who need immediate help. Note: Other, family-oriented PFLAG Resource page also linked in “Resources for Parents/Caregivers of Questioning Youth or 2SLGBTQ+ Youth” section.
  • Tate Topa Consulting
    • Source: Tate Topa Consulting, Shared & Run by Lenny Hayes
    • Description: Tate Topa Consulting services “works to educate, advocate, and bring awareness to individuals, communities, and organizations about mental health issues that affect Native American/Alaskan Natives and/or Two Spirit individuals.” Tate Topa offers curriculum development, training, public speaking, mental and chemical health services, and other educational opportunities. Links on the Tate Topa website provide access to further resources in support of Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit wellness. Note: Tate Topa Consulting is applicable and included across all categories, as the resources and tools provided are beneficial to Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their communities, as well as educators or other professionals working with Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth.
  • LGBTQI and Two-Spirit People – The Resource Basket
    • Source: Who We Are – The Resource Basket
    • Description: The Resource Basket, a “team of professionals devoted to improving the lives of Alaska’s youth,” has developed an LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit resource page, offering a variety of helpful definitions, curricula, and other resources to guide community support for LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit peoples (Resource Basket Website). Note: This resource is applicable and included across all categories, as the resources and tools provided are beneficial to Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their communities, as well as educators or other professionals working with Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth.
Resources for Parents/Caregivers of Questioning Youth or 2SLGBTQ+ Youth
  • Parenting Two Spirit and Indigiqueer Youth FAQ | Paths Remembered
    • Description: FAQ-style guide to parenting Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer youth. The guide includes answers to questions such as, “my child has come out to me as 2SLGBTQ+. What do I do now?” and, “I want to be the best advocate I can for my child. What resources can help me?” The guide provides practical, supportive advice and methods for connecting with other parents of Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer youth.
  • Are You an Askable Parent? – Advocates for Youth
    • Description: Advocates for Youth “partners with young people and their adult allies to champion youth rights to bodily autonomy and build power to transform policies, programs and systems to secure sexual health and equity for all youth” (Advocates for Youth Website). This resource explores the concept of and tools for becoming an “askable parent,” a caregiver who make their youth feel comfortable and able to share and ask questions, specifically regarding sexuality and sex. The PDF is available for download in multiple languages.
  • Welcome to the Family Acceptance Project® | Family Acceptance Project ® (sfsu.edu)
    • Source: Family Acceptance Project
    • Description: The Family Acceptance Project is a research, intervention, education, and policy initiative aimed at “prevent[ing] health risks, strengthen[ing] families and build[ing] healthy futures for LGBTQ and gender diverse children and youth” (Family Acceptance Project Website). The website links publications, posters, videos, youth family services, and other programming opportunities.
  • LGBTQ+ Youth Resources | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health | CDC
    • Description: Webpage offering links to resources for educators, family, and friends to learn more about how to effectively support LGBTQ+ youth. Note: also linked in the “Resources for School Personnel, Educators, or Facilitators Working with Native LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth” section.
  • The Importance of Gender Affirming Care for Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth (nursinglicensemap.com)
    • Description: This May 2021 article explores the challenges that gender non-conforming and gender-questioning youth face, specifically with regards to their healthcare. The article defines and provides research supporting the importance of gender-affirming healthcare for youth, offers tips for caregivers of gender non-confirming youth to successfully find gender-affirming care, including resources, questions to ask, and steps to take. Note: also linked in the “Resources for Healthcare Providers of Native 2SLGBTQ+ or Questioning Youth and/or Adults” section.
  • Find Resources – PFLAG
    • Description: Founded in 1973 by a mother and son, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, PFLAG offers direct support, virtual community, and online resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families. The link above takes caregivers/family members of 2SLGBTQ+ community members directly to the resource page for access to resources on supporting their loved one. Note: PFLAG Support page linked in the “Resources for LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth” section.
  • Generational Resilience Learning Community – Part II – YouTube
    • Description: This Webinar, linked in SAMHSA’s Two Spirit Webinar Collection, is a discussion between A panel of parents who “share wisdom, strength, and hope about their experiences parenting Two Spirit children, plus insights and recommendations for their communities” (SAMHSA Website).
  • Sharing Our Lived Experiences: 22 Tips for Caring for Two-Spirit and LGBTQ Youth in the Child Welfare System
    • Source: National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections and National Resource Center for Tribes; authored by Tracy Serdjenian, Tom Lidot, and Lenny Hayes; available through the Tribal Information Exchange, published in 2014
    • Description: Tip sheet offering 22 clear and meaningful tips for caregivers of youth in the child welfare system. Offers a handful of additional resources as well. Note: also linked in the “Resources for Individuals Working with LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth in the Child Welfare System and/or Juvenile Justice System” section.
  • “Supporting Your Child’s Gender Identity with Tavi Hawn”
    • Description: On the podcast Therapy Chat, Laura Reagan LCSW-C interviews guests to discuss “holistic and alternative approaches used in psychotherapy, counseling, coaching and healing sessions.” On this episode of the podcast, Laura interviews Tavi Hawn LCSW-C, a multi-racial, Two Spirit person who is the founder of and practitioner in a group therapy & consulting practice in MD, is faculty at the Indian Country Paths Re(Membered) ECHO project, and works as a therapist with Native American Lifelines. Tavi shares about their newest book, “The Gender Identity Guide for Parents – Compassionate Advice to Help Your Child Be Their Most Authentic Self.” Note: also linked in the “Podcasts, Articles, and Other Resources by Native LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth and/or Adults” section.
  • Tate Topa Consulting
    • Source: Tate Topa Consulting, Shared & Run by Lenny Hayes
    • Description: Tate Topa Consulting services “works to educate, advocate, and bring awareness to individuals, communities, and organizations about mental health issues that affect Native American/Alaskan Natives and/or Two Spirit individuals.” Tate Topa offers curriculum development, training, public speaking, mental and chemical health services, and other educational opportunities. Links on the Tate Topa website provide access to further resources in support of Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit wellness. Note: Tate Topa Consulting is applicable and included across all categories, as the resources and tools provided are beneficial to Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their communities, as well as educators or other professionals working with Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth.
  • LGBTQI and Two-Spirit People – The Resource Basket
    • Source: Who We Are – The Resource Basket
    • Description: The Resource Basket, a “team of professionals devoted to improving the lives of Alaska’s youth,” has developed an LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit resource page, offering a variety of helpful definitions, curricula, and other resources to guide community support for LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit peoples (Resource Basket Website). Note: This resource is applicable and included across all categories, as the resources and tools provided are beneficial to Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their communities, as well as educators or other professionals working with Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth.
Resources for School Personnel, Educators, or Facilitators Working with Native LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth
  • Erasure and Resilience: The Experiences of LGBTQ Students of Color: Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native LGBTQ Youth in U.S. Schools
    • Description: GLSEN is a national education organization aimed at establishing safe schools for all students. GLSEN utilizes Four Supports to work towards this goal: developing supportive educators, comprehensive policies, inclusive curriculum, and supporting student GSA clubs (Gay-Straight Alliances). The specific report referenced above was created in collaboration with the Center for Native American Youth, highlighting the specific challenges faced by Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit youth, as well as strategies for supporting this demographic in schools.
  • Indigenizing Love: A Toolkit for Native Youth to Build Inclusion | United for Youth
    • Description: A resource toolkit created in partnership between Western States Center, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Center for Native American Youth, and Native Youth Leadership Alliance. The outlined purpose(s) for the toolkit include, among other intended uses: to initiate conversation around gender roles and Two-Spirit identity, an access point for resources and guidance to better support Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit community members, and to begin Native youth-led conversations around identity and inclusivity. The toolkit is broken into two Modules: “Better Understanding Our Two-Spirit Relatives,” and “Creating Systemic Change,” and includes a comprehensive activity workbook.
  • LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Native Youth Bullying
    • Description: Resource guide that “provides an introduction to Native LGBTQ+/ Two Spirit youth bullying and resources to help create more inclusive schools” (LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Native Youth Bullying Resource).
  • LGBTQ+ Youth Resources | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health | CDC
    • Description: Webpage offering links to resources for educators, family, and friends to learn more about how to effectively support LGBTQ+ youth. Note: resources also linked in the “Resources for Parents/Caregivers of Questioning Youth or 2SLGBTQ+ Youth” section.
  • A Place in the Middle | Official Website | the true meaning of aloha
    • Source: A Place in the Middle: A Strength-based Approach to Gender Diversity & Inclusion
    • Description: A kid-friendly, educational film about the true story of a young girl in Hawaiʻi who dreams of leading the boys-only hula group at her school, and a teacher who empowers her through traditional culture. The film explores the “values of diversity and inclusion, the power of knowing your heritage, and how to prevent bullying by creating a school climate of aloha,” and the website links free access to the film as well as learning goals and guides to shape a lesson plan for classroom teachers or other facilitators (A Place in the Middle, Official Website).
  • Tate Topa Consulting
    • Source: Tate Topa Consulting, Shared & Run by Lenny Hayes
    • Description: Tate Topa Consulting services “works to educate, advocate, and bring awareness to individuals, communities, and organizations about mental health issues that affect Native American/Alaskan Natives and/or Two Spirit individuals.” Tate Topa offers curriculum development, training, public speaking, mental and chemical health services, and other educational opportunities. Links on the Tate Topa website provide access to further resources in support of Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit wellness. Note: Tate Topa Consulting is applicable and included across all categories, as the resources and tools provided are beneficial to Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their communities, as well as educators or other professionals working with Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth.
  • LGBTQI and Two-Spirit People – The Resource Basket
    • Source: Who We Are – The Resource Basket
    • Description: The Resource Basket, a “team of professionals devoted to improving the lives of Alaska’s youth,” has developed an LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit resource page, offering a variety of helpful definitions, curricula, and other resources to guide community support for LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit peoples (Resource Basket Website). Note: This resource is applicable and included across all categories, as the resources and tools provided are beneficial to Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their communities, as well as educators or other professionals working with Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth.
Resource for Individuals Working with LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth in the Child Welfare System and/or Juvenile Justice System
Resources for Healthcare Providers of Native 2SLGBTQ+ or Questioning Youth and/or Adults
Resources for Anyone Who Wants to Learn More About Native LGBTQ+, Two-Spirit, and Other LGBTQ+ Identities & Communities
  • Tate Topa Consulting
    • Source: Tate Topa Consulting, Shared & Run by Lenny Hayes
    • Description: Tate Topa Consulting services “works to educate, advocate, and bring awareness to individuals, communities, and organizations about mental health issues that affect Native American/Alaskan Natives and/or Two Spirit individuals.” Tate Topa offers curriculum development, training, public speaking, mental and chemical health services, and other educational opportunities. Links on the Tate Topa website provide access to further resources in support of Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit wellness. Note: Tate Topa Consulting is applicable and included across all categories, as the resources and tools provided are beneficial to Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their communities, as well as educators or other professionals working with Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth.
  • Glossary of Terms – Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org) (Glossary for Key LGBTQ+ Terms)
    • Description: Glossary of terms for those seeking to learn more/build capacity to talk respectfully and knowledgeably about gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
  • A Spotlight on Two Spirit (Native LGBT) Communities
    • Source: National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
    • Description: Research publication from the National Congress of American Indians, providing a synthesis of (among other research) information on the civil rights, health and personal safety, and employment opportunities for Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ+ Communities. (Note: many of the links included in the document are broken; however, the document’s synthesis of information remains pertinent and useful for gaining general knowledge around the issues faced by the 2S and Native LGBTQ+ community)
  • Two Spirit and LGBTQIA Indigenous Resources – Research guides at University of Toronto (utoronto.ca)
    • Description: A guide “meant as a starting place for research relating to Two Spirit and LGBTQIA* Indigenous communities” (Two Spirit and LGBTQIA Indigenous Resources Website). The guide includes research reports, documents, books, films and other community-driven resources. 
  • Free & Equal: United Nations for LGBT Equality: Fact Sheet: Intersex
    • Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
    • Description: A Fact Sheet, published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, outlining the definition of intersex, describing discriminations faced by and summarizing protections and action steps for supporting intersex individuals.
  • LGBTQI and Two-Spirit People – The Resource Basket
    • Source: Who We Are – The Resource Basket
    • Description: The Resource Basket, a “team of professionals devoted to improving the lives of Alaska’s youth,” has developed an LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit resource page, offering a variety of helpful definitions, curricula, and other resources to guide community support for LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit peoples (Resource Basket Website). Note: This resource is applicable and included across all categories, as the resources and tools provided are beneficial to Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their communities, as well as educators or other professionals working with Native LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth.
  • Two Spirit Webinars | SAMHSA
    • Description: This page includes a series of Tribal TTA Center webinars, all of which address topics related to gender and sexual identity in the Native 2S LGTBQ+ Community. Note: Specific webinars from this page are also linked in the “Resources for Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit Youth” & “Resources for Parents/Caregivers of Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit Youth” sections.
Podcasts, Articles, and Other Resources by Native LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Youth and/or Adults
  • Lived Experience: Shea’s Story – YouTube [Activation warning: discussion of suicidal ideations and attempts]
    • Description: In this brief video, linked in We R Native’s LGBTQ+ resource and article section, Shea (Oglala and Cheyenne River Lakota Sioux), a lesbian, Two-Spirit individual, shares their story. Shea reflects on their challenges (including suicidal ideations and a suicide attempt), their experience as a young person grappling with their sexuality, and how they cope on challenging days. Shea shares the impact of their experiences speaking to an Elder who is also Two-Spirit, who helped them understand the power and beauty in this identity.
  • Lived Experience: Ceci’s Story – YouTube [Activation warning: discussion of suicidal ideations]
    • Description: In this brief video, linked in We R Native’s LGBTQ+ resource and article section, Ceci (Ojibwe, North Dakota), a transgender, Two-Spirit individual, shares their story. Ceci reflects on their challenges (including suicidal ideations) and their eventual self-acceptance.
  • Lived Experience: Randy’s Story – YouTube [Activation warning: discussion of bullying, struggling with identity, suicidal ideations and suicide attempts]
    • Description: In this brief video, linked in We R Native’s LGBTQ+ resource and article section, Randy (Yakama Nation), shares about their experience grappling with their sexuality (which they now identify as pansexual). They address the challenges of growing up and questioning one’s sexuality and the struggles they faced (including suicidal ideations and attempts) and their continued strength.
  • Our Stories | Paths Remembered
    • Description: Link to blog posts, podcast recordings, and video recordings from a diverse group of Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ community members.
  • Episode 1: Welcome to our Podcast! • Your Two-Spirit Aunties Podcast (spotify.com)
    • Source: Accessible on multiple podcast platforms, including Spotify (linked above)
    • Description: In the description of their podcast, “Your Two-Spirit Aunties,” hosts Shilo and Brianna state, “join us for laughs, truth, heart, and all things Two-Spirit!” The podcast explores issues ranging from Two-Spirit identity, to colonization, to the impact of the pandemic on Native communities. Only 7 episodes currently released.
  • “Supporting Your Child’s Gender Identity with Tavi Hawn”
    • Description: On the podcast Therapy Chat, Laura Reagan LCSW-C interviews guests to discuss “holistic and alternative approaches used in psychotherapy, counseling, coaching and healing sessions.” On this episode of the podcast, Laura interviews Tavi Hawn LCSW-C, a multi-racial, Two Spirit person who is the founder of and practitioner in a group therapy & consulting practice in MD, is faculty at the Indian Country Paths Re(Membered) ECHO project, and works as a therapist with Native American Lifelines. Tavi shares about their newest book, “The Gender Identity Guide for Parents – Compassionate Advice to Help Your Child Be Their Most Authentic Self.” Note: also linked in the “Resources for Parents/Caregivers of Questioning Youth or 2SLGBTQ+ Youth” section.
  • What Does “Two-Spirit” Mean? | InQueery | them. – YouTube – from a Two-Spirit Educator
    • Description: A Two-Spirit Educator, Geo Neptune, explores the history of the term “Two-Spirit,” who it pertains to, and what it means in this brief, informative video through them’s “Inqueery” series.
  • The TWO-SPIRIT Collection by Color Bloq
    • Description: Color Bloq is a community platform, highlighting and uplifting the experiences and stories of Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPoC). Their collection, “Two-Spirit,” published in 2018, celebrates Two-Spirit voices and “conversations around indigenous experiences.”
  • Two-Spirit Learning Community – Part 3: We Are All One Family; Let’s Not Make This “Just a Dream” – YouTube
    • Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Webinars:  Two Spirit Webinars | SAMHSA; Also linked in A_Spotlight_on_Native_LGBT.pdf (ncai.org)
    • Description: This webinar, linked in SAMHSA’s Two Spirit Collection, “follows a panel discussion of Two Spirit Native youth leaders who discuss their work to support the Two Spirit community and give insights and recommendations on how tribal communities, families, and allies can support Two Spirit health and wellness” (SAMHSA’s Website). Note: SAMHSA’s Two Spirit Collection also linked in the “Resources for Anyone Who Wants to Learn More About Native LGBTQ+, Two-Spirit, and Other LGBTQ+ Identities & Communities” section.
Native LGBTQ+ & Two-Spirit Individuals in the Media

Thank you again for visiting us on our Tribal Youth Resource Center website. As a Training and Technical Assistance Center, it is our commitment to serve Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ youth, and we hope the resources and information included on this webpage are helpful for your work with young people in your community.