The names are numerous for these wonderful folk -- berdache, winkte, nádleehí --  but in each case; documented by oral histories, stories, photographs, visual art representations and even contemporary testimony; these individuals demonstrate a societal identity that differs from the traditional role that their gender would suggest. Current Anthropologists and Native Americans ask that these individuals be referred to by their specific tribal name or the term "two spirit", illuminating the philosophy behind these special individuals' place in society.

These were the men and women who walked between worlds, who had an insight into both sexes. These persons were not bound by their given gender, but led by an inner guide to serve their communities with their unique skills and perspective on life.

Many times these men and women served as spiritual leaders in their communities, able to travel between worlds as easily as they live between the worlds of traditional gender roles. 

If we see that within each of us is a balance of natures, between be and do, between attraction and repulsion, between dark and light, between male and female, it was (and is) believed that these individuals had a greater understanding of the balance between these natures.

What a wonderful affirming way to look at these gifted individuals! This perspective is a far cry from the struggles of today's GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) community. 

I offer the following links to web pages with more information on this honoring tradition of the Two Spirit.

Will Roscoe, author of Changing Ones and The Zuni Man-Woman

http://www.geocities.com/westhollywood/
stonewall/3044/berdache.html

Two Spirit Saadaya: Reclaiming the Two Spirit Traditions

http://www.angelfire.com/journal/saadaya/

back to top