CLICK HERE to view the recording of this session. It is understood through the oral tradition of storytelling that many Indigenous nations held cultural beliefs around sexually and gender diverse peoples since long before settlers arrived. Colonization, however, had a detrimental effect on Indigenous communities, leading to the introduction of new social constructs around homophobia and transphobia. Despite the erasure of Two Spirit people, there is a strong resurgence movement thriving in Turtle Island (Canada, US, and Mexico).
This session will provide an overview of 2Spirit/Indigenous LGBTQ+ Pride events in Canada. For the first time in its 30-year history, a 2Spirit powwow was part of the festivities at Pride Winnipeg, one of the largest LGBT festivals in the country. The powwow was organized by staff at resource centre Sunshine House's Like That drop-in program for marginalized LGBT people on Winnipeg streets, in partnership with advocacy group 2-Spirited People of Manitoba Inc. Increasingly First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people are participating in Pride events and hosting their own event in urban, rural, on-reserve, northern and remote communities. Examples of different types of Indigenous Pride events will be shared with the audience.
