Resources
Centering Two-Spirit (2S) and Indigenous experiences and ways is critical for more respectful, reciprocal, relevant, and responsible sexual health research with gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). The 2SDL conducted a study to explore drivers of sexual health knowledge with Two-Spirit and other gbMSM community(ies).
Queering Collective Dreaming: Weaving Métis Futures of Belonging
Using sash weaving as a metaphor, this paper is a sharing of two journeys of “coming in” to identities over time through narrative storytelling, grounded in queer theories, queer Indigenous theories and an imagining toward a queer Métis theory. The co-authors articulate how the absence of 2SLGBTQ+ Métis role models and representation earlier in life interfered with aligning their own felt and expressed identities and ability to envision a joyful, connected future. In their search for those with resonant experiences, they found strength in community and kin. As a result, 2SLGBTQ+ Métis people and allies are invited to join a collective dreaming process to revitalize our queer teachings, reclaim our place in community, and return to relationship with one another.
Theoretical Approaches to Disrupting Historical Trauma Among Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ+ Elders
Introduction: Indigenous holistic theory (IHT) is a multi-faceted framework grounded in traditional cultural knowledge that emphasizes Indigenous world views, cultures, and traditions with a focus on the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical elements of health and wellness (Absolon, 2010). Objective: To describe the role of historical trauma and health-related behaviours among Two-Spirit and Indigenous lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (2S/LGBTQ+) Elders and how the emergence of IHT and its guiding constructs could work to inform culturally responsive interventions for the study population. Method: IHT constructs were applied to historical trauma intervention tailoring among Indigenous 2S/LGBTQ+ Elders, including a relevant theoretical model. Results: Applying the IHT framework to Indigenous 2S/LGBTQ+ Elder interventions could be an effective pathway for understanding the population while helping to inform more culturally responsive health promotion efforts that will lead to wellness in later life. Discussion/Conclusion: The paper concludes with a discussion of how IHT helps to advance our knowledge about addressing historical trauma most responsively, along with future research recommendations.
Two(Spirit)-Eyed Seeing: Honouring gender and sexual diversity for those Indigenous to Turtle Island
The Two-Spirit Dry Lab is the first research collaborative on Turtle Island dedicated solely to the health of Two-Spirit people. This chapter explores the ‘origin stories’ of three members’ arrival to and experience of the Lab: Harlan, a Two-Spirit First Nations nēhiyo, reflects on the immutable historic foundations of Indigenous knowledges in our work. Travis Salway, a settler queer cis man, comments how reconciliation is an iterative process of (un)learning rooted in relation(ship)s. Milo Ira, a Two-Spirit trans person, dreams of building upon the foundation of our Lab to remember, amplify and celebrate time-honoured roles of our Indigenous neurodiverse relatives. We arrive at unity through the mutual acknowledging and honouring of our differences as all necessary threads of shared cultural permanence and eternal belonging.
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Meet the Methods Series: “What and Who is Two-Spirit?” in Health Research
Written by Harlan Pruden and Travis Salway, this resource from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research provides important background and context for the term “Two-Spirit” as both a community organizing tool and a way to describe oneself.
The Two-Spirit Dry Lab conducted a study that explored the drivers of sexual health knowledge with Two-Spirit and other gay/bisexual men who have sex with men community(ies).
Two-Spirit Terminology Guide
The goal of this terminology guide is to increase awareness of Two-Spirit peoples and communities to provide language that is safer for researchers to use. The main takeaway from this guide is that a conversation must be had with communities and its members to ensure proper terminology is being used, as not one term can be used for all peoples in all contexts.
Elder Engagement
Historically, much of Indigenous knowledge has been taken and used without permission. This guide is intended for use in engagements with Elders and Knowledge Keepers (also known as Cultural Advisors or Traditional Teachers). These highly respected individuals are known to hold many years of direct experience and knowledge with their cultures and communities.
Two-Spirit Reconciliation: Honoring the Truth; Reconciling the Future
Many cultural traditions and practices of the peoples of Turtle Island have been misrepresented or suppressed. The misrepresentation was mainly made because of colonization. A talk presented by Harlan Pruden and Bear Smith as part of CBRC’s 2018 Summit.
Decolonizing Research: Collecting and Handling of Two-Spirit Data in Culturally Affirming Way(s)
A keynote session by Harlan Pruden as part of the Strengthening the Circle Symposium.
“Reconciling Access to Traditional and Other Forms of Healthcare for Indigenous 2S/GBQ People”
Presented by Harlan Pruden and Ryan Stillwagon as part of the panel “Adding Colour to the Rainbow: Research on the Intersections of Identity-Two-Spirit Content” at Summit 2019: Queering Healthcare Access and Accessibility.
Presented by Harlan Pruden as part of the Women’s Health Seminar Series.
November 4, 2019 (Philadelphia, PA)
September 12, 2019 (New Orleans, LA)
September 8, 2019 (Washington, DC)
July 16, 2019 (Vancouver, Canada)