Side Note: On the Use of LGBTQ2S+
In this essay, you may notice the use of the term “LGBTQ2S+” instead of the more commonly used “LGBTQIA+”. The reason for this is to honor and acknowledge the specific identities within Indigenous communities. The “2S” in LGBTQ2S+ stands for Two-Spirit, a term used by some Indigenous peoples to describe their sexual, gender, and/or spiritual identity. This term is particularly relevant when discussing Indigenous communities, especially in the context of North America.
While LGBTQIA+ is a widely recognized acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or Questioning), Intersex, and Asexual (or Ally), the use of LGBTQ2S+ in this context is a conscious decision to respect and highlight the unique identities within Indigenous communities. It’s always important to be mindful and respectful of the specific terminology preferred by the individuals or communities we’re discussing.
We hope this clarification helps our readers better understand the nuances of these terms and the importance of using inclusive language. Thank you.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors the Native Americans and Indigenous populations across the United States. The day came about as an alternative to Columbus Day in the late 1980s. It aims to celebrate the diversity of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to American history and culture. Despite the cultural differences, Indigenous peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples. Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life, and their right to traditional lands, territories, and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.
In the spirit of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, it is essential to honor the Indigenous Pioneers who have made significant strides in advocating for LGBTQ2S+ rights. Their courage, resilience, and dedication have paved the way for greater acceptance and representation within their communities and beyond.
A member of the Ho-Chunk nation, Sharice Davids is the first LGBTQ2S+ Native American elected to Congress. Born in Frankfurt, West Germany, she was raised by her single mother, Crystal Herriage, who served in the U.S. Army. Despite the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household and facing the biases associated with her identity, Davids has made significant strides in her political career. She has faced challenges in her political career, including dealing with global supply chain challenges on small businesses, and running for her fourth term in Congress in a district whose demographics have changed to become less Democratic leaning. However, she has turned these challenges into opportunities to make a real impact on people’s lives. She has worked tirelessly to pass critical bipartisan legislation and connect directly with residents of the Kansas Third all year long.
Sean Snyder, who is of Navajo and Southern Ute, and Adrian Matthias Stevens, who is of Northern Ute, Shoshone Bannock and San Carlos Apache, are a two-spirit dancing couple who challenge traditional boundaries at powwows across the country. They have been raised in the powwow circle since they could walk and have earned several championship titles in their dance categories. Both of their families participate in powwows all across Indian Country and have made a lot of friendships that spread all across the U.S. and Canada. They faced the challenge of being the first Two-Spirit pair to perform a couple routine in the sweetheart competition, a category that was exclusively performed by male and female dancers until 2018. Despite this, they have used their platform to inspire other young native Americans to be comfortable with their identity.
A trans Navajo filmmaker, Sydney Freeland is increasing the representation of Native American families on screen. She was born and raised on a Navajo reservation in Gallup, New Mexico. She attended Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She is a 2004 Fulbright scholar, focusing her scholarship on a field study of indigenous peoples in Ecuador. She has a Master of Fine Arts in film, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in computer animation. Freeland has faced the challenge of being the MCU’s first openly transgender director and someone out of the prestigious Fulbright program. Despite this, she has used her platform to highlight issues affecting the queer Indigenous community.
Kairyn Potts is a youth-oriented content creator with a massive platform. He’s dealt with addiction in his family. His father left before he was born, and his mom died when he was young. He was born and raised in Edmonton, and currently is making his home in beautiful Tkaronto, Dish with One Spoon treaty territory. Despite these challenges, Potts has used his platform to educate and spread awareness on the Two-Spirit identity and queer youth in indigenous communities. He also advocates for Indigenous children that are forcibly taken away from their families and put into foster care.
Lady Shug, also known as Ky Victor, is a drag artist. She was created in Las Vegas about a decade ago. She is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, which hails from Wisconsin. Despite the challenges of being a two-spirit individual in a society that often marginalizes such identities, Lady Shug has used her platform to fight for equal rights as an activist for LGBTQ2S+ indigenous relatives to create equal rights in rural areas and reservations that do not protect those on indigenous lands.
Charlie Amáyá Scott is a 28-year-old transgender scholar, advocate, and social media influencer who lives in Aurora, CO. They grew up in Chinle, AZ., in the center of the Navajo Nation. Scott has faced the reality of settler colonialism but also the experiences of trans misogyny, both from their own community and those outside their community. Despite these challenges, they have used their platform to highlight issues affecting the queer Indigenous community.
Scott Wabano is an award-winning Fashion Stylist & Designer, Creative Director and Content Creator. A 2Spirit Cree from the Mushkegowuk & Eeyou Istchee territories, Scott grew up with a strong admiration for traditional and mainstream fashion and a passion for bringing authentic Indigenous representation to the industry. Despite the challenges of being a two-spirit individual in a society that often marginalizes such identities, Wabano has used their platform to fight for equal rights as an activist for LGBTQ2S+ indigenous relatives to create equal rights in rural areas and reservations that do not protect those on indigenous lands
Kali Reis, also known as KO, is a world champion boxer, actor and advocate who has made significant contributions to addressing important social issues through her work in the entertainment industry. She is of Seaconke Wampanoag and Cape Verdean descent, and she identifies as a two-spirit individual, reflecting her Indigenous heritage and cultural identity. Despite growing up in a single-parent household and confronting biases linked to her identity, Reis has achieved considerable progress in her political journey. Her career has presented obstacles, such as addressing global supply chain issues affecting small businesses and campaigning for her fourth congressional term in a district shifting away from Democratic tendencies. Nevertheless, she has transformed these challenges into opportunities to effect meaningful change in people's lives. She has worked tirelessly to pass critical bipartisan legislation and connect directly with residents of the Kansas Third all year long.
These individuals have made significant contributions to their communities and the broader LGBTQ2S+ movement. They serve as inspiring examples of leadership and advocacy. On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we celebrate these trailblazers for their courage, resilience, and dedication. They remind us of the rich diversity within the Indigenous and LGBTQ2S+ communities and inspire us to continue advocating for equality and acceptance. Thank you for reading. Wishing everyone a joyful Indigenous Peoples' Day and Pride!
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Here are some resources that could serve as an excellent starting point for those interested in learning more about these individuals and Indigenous cultures. 😊
Sharice Davids:
Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview of her life and political career.
The Children’s Book Review features an interview with Sharice Davids discussing her picture book autobiography “Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman”.
Sean Snyder and Adrian Stevens:
Stevens & Snyder official website provides more information about their journey and advocacy.
IN Magazine features an interview with them discussing their experiences and advocacy.
Sydney Freeland:
Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview of her life and filmmaking career.
Hollywood Reporter features an interview with Sydney Freeland discussing her work on the series “Echo”.
Kairyn Potts:
CBC Radio features an interview with Kairyn Potts discussing his advocacy and content creation.
Ontario Performing Arts Presenting Network features an interview with Kairyn Potts discussing his advocacy and content creation.
Lady Shug:
Advocate.com features an article about Lady Shug discussing her advocacy and drag performances.
Ojos Diferentes features an interview with Lady Shug discussing her advocacy and drag performances.
Charlie Amáyá Scott:
Scott Wabano:
The Influence Agency features an interview with Scott Wabano discussing their fashion design and advocacy.
CBC News features an article about Scott Wabano discussing their fashion design and advocacy.
Kali Reis (KO):
Resources to Learn More About Indigenous Peoples:
Native Knowledge 360° from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian offers a variety of educational resources about Native American history and culture.
NEA’s Resources for Teaching About Indigenous Peoples provides a collection of resources for teaching about Native American history and culture.
ABC’s Educational Resources About Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History and Culture offers a variety of resources about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture.
National Park Service’s Resources for Teaching Native American History and Culture provides a list of resources produced by the National Park Service for teaching about Native American history and culture.
BC Hydro’s Resources to Learn More About Indigenous Culture provides a list of resources to help educate oneself about Indigenous people, their history, and culture.
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