The two spirit flag holds deep meaning for Indigenous North American people who identify as having both masculine and feminine spirits. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: the two spirit flag represents harmony and fluidity between the masculine and feminine for Native/Indigenous people with diverse gender identities.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the origins, meaning, colors and symbolism behind the two spirit pride flag. We’ll also highlight the history and discrimination two spirit people have faced, the landmark events that led to the flag’s creation, and why it has become an important cultural symbol.
What Does ‘Two Spirit’ Mean?
Traditional Roles in Tribes
In many Native American cultures, people who embodied both masculine and feminine spirits were seen as gifted and were assigned special roles. Often called “Two Spirits”, they would take on jobs like healers, matchmakers, naming ceremony hosts, or mediators.
Two Spirit people filled an important place in the social fabric of tribes. According to native elders, they were honored and respected. Rather than being seen as going against the established binary gender norms, Two Spirits expanded the tribe’s conceptions of gender into a spectrum.
Reclaimed Identity and Term
Though Two Spirit traditions were suppressed and stigmatized when tribes were colonized, since the 1990s the term has been reclaimed by LBGTQ Native Americans as a symbol of cultural revival and pride.
It is used now both to reconnect with tribal heritage and as an affirming pan-Indian term for gender and sexual fluidity.
The phrase “Two Spirit” came out of the 1990 Native American/First Nations gay and lesbian conference in Winnipeg, Canada. It communicates gender multiplicity in a way that resonates with Native worldviews about non-binary roles.
History of Discrimination & Activism
Oppression Under Colonization
Indigenous Two Spirit traditions faced immense oppression and discrimination after European colonization began in the 15th century. Two Spirit people held esteemed roles in many tribes, serving as healers, caretakers, mediators and more.
But colonists condemned these traditions, viewing gender and sexual diversity as sinful and primitive. This fueled campaigns to forcibly assimilate Native Americans into European religions, social norms and culture.
By the late 19th century, the U.S. government instituted boarding schools ripping Native children from families to strip their language, culture and identities. Physical and sexual abuse ran rampant. Students who identified as Two Spirit bore the brunt suffering harsh beatings, isolation and shaming.
This traumatic legacy left deep scars on Indigenous communities and drove many tribes to reject Two Spirit traditions to survive.
Two Spirit Society
But Native activists fought back against this attempted cultural genocide. In 1975, the Two Spirit Society of Denver formed to advocate for renewed acceptance of gender diversity in Indigenous tribes. According to the UCLA Williams Institute, over 100 tribes have since reclaimed Two Spirit traditions.
In 1990, Indigenous activists marching in Minneapolis coined the term “Two Spirit” to unite this identity across Native cultures. The Two Spirit flag soon followed with its interlocking male and female symbols representing harmony and balance.
Today, Two Spirit advocates push for legal protections, health services, education on Indigenous traditions in schools and beyond as means to heal intergenerational trauma from colonization.
While discrimination endures, the Two Spirit movement made immense strides in reclaiming and uplifting Indigenous gender diversity. But there is still vital work ahead to spread awareness and foster acceptance both within Native communities and society at large.
Creation of the Two Spirit Flag
Albert McLeod Design
The Two Spirit flag was created in 2010 by Albert McLeod, a Métis and Anishinaabe cultural diversity trainer and consultant from Manitoba, Canada. According to The 2022 LGBTQ+ Report by MIBC Group, Albert designed the flag to increase visibility and cultural pride for Indigenous people in the LGBTQ community.
The unique flag features a stylized infinity symbol that portrays two Indigenous figures standing back-to-back. As explained on Albert’s website, the two spirits “represent presence in the past, present and future”.
The infinity loop symbolizes the concept that gender and sexual diversity have always existed in Indigenous cultures across time.
Meaning of Colors & Symbols
The top purple section of the flag represents femininity and softness, while the bottom blue section symbolizes masculinity and hardness. Together, these complementing colors reflect harmony and fluidity between masculine and feminine energies.
At the center where the two figures meet is a white region signifying the unknown path or enlightenment. This area can be interpreted as a blank canvas full of potential or a journey into self-realization. The circle encompassing the design represents wholeness and inclusiveness within the community.
Modern Day Significance and Issues
Pride and Visibility
The Two Spirit flag has become an important symbol of pride and visibility for Indigenous LGBTQ+ communities in recent years. As Alexis D. Navarro states, “The Two Spirit flag represents the interconnectedness of all indigenous peoples, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The vibrant colors and inclusive symbolism promote unity and acceptance within Native communities.In June 2022, U.S. embassies displayed the Two Spirit flag for the first time during Pride Month celebrations. This public support from the government gave greater exposure to the unique identities and challenges still faced by many Native gender-diverse people today.
However, prejudice and discrimination are still commonplace. A 2022 survey by the National LGBTQ Task Force found that 72% of Two Spirit respondents had experienced verbal harassment due to their gender or sexual orientation.
Wider acceptance of the Two Spirit flag and identity can help promote allyship and safer, more inclusive communities. 🏳️🌈
Health Disparities
Unfortunately, many Two Spirit people also suffer from significant mental and physical health disparities, tied to societal stigma and lack of culturally competent healthcare. A 2022 study found Two Spirit individuals had over 3 times the odds of psychological distress compared to non-Two Spirit peers.
Access to supportive resources and networks is crucial yet often lacking in tribal areas. As Marlon M. Bailey and Jeffrey S. Wilson highlight, “Many Two Spirit people find peace and sanctuary in Two Spirit societies and groups that provide opportunities for mentorship, spiritual development, wellness checks, political solidarity and more.”
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Building awareness of Two Spirit identities through symbols like the Two Spirit flag can help address these disparities over time. But there is still an urgent need for allies to advocate for health initiatives and policies that specifically support Two Spirit community needs.
No one should suffer simply for embracing their true self.
Conclusion
The two spirit flag carries profound meaning as a symbol of the fluidity between masculine and feminine spirits. It represents the reclamation of diverse Indigenous gender identities that were once honored but faced immense discrimination under colonization.
Today, the flag continues to represent advocacy, pride and visibility for two spirit people within the LGBTQ+ community. By learning about its origins and symbolism, we can better understand and support the unique experiences of two spirit individuals.
