What's the difference between Two-Spirit & Indigiqueer -- and when to use them

When I first started my career, I thought Two-Spirit was just a catch-all term for Indigenous people who are LGBTQ+. But as I’ve continued my journey of decolonization and Truth & Reconciliation, I’ve come to understand that Two-Spirit reflects something much deeper—a personal connection to an Indigenous worldview beyond LGBTQ+ terms.
As we approach Canada’s Day of Truth & Reconciliation on September 30, it’s a great time to deepen your understanding.
Let’s take a closer look at Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer—and when to use each term.

Two-Spirit:
For many, Two-Spirit refers to Indigenous people who embody both masculine and feminine qualities. The term honours the fluid nature of gender and sexuality and reflects a connection to the spiritual realm. Teachings around Two-Spirit often describe it as a spiritual gift and a connection to ancestors or ceremony.
It’s important to remember that Two-Spirit is not a term for non-Indigenous people and carries deep cultural significance unique to each Indigenous nation.

Indigiqueer:
Refers to Indigenous people who identify with the broader Queer Community. While Two-Spirit often integrates traditional spiritual teachings, Indigiqueer tends to focus on the intersection of Indigenous identity and queer experience in modern political and social contexts. It highlights the contemporary challenges and activism of being both Indigenous and queer, without necessarily being tied to specific spiritual frameworks.

Many Indigenous queer folks identify with this term if they want to describe their context of being both Indigenous and LGBTQ+ but don’t necessarily connect that identity with spiritual teachings, ceremony, or connections with ancestors.
When in doubt, ask someone what they prefer.

Geography Matters:
These terms are specific to Turtle Island (North America). Every global region has a long history of inclusion and celebration of queer identities before colonization and imperial religions.

Discrimination is Colonial:
Most Indigenous communities recognized sexuality and gender diversity before colonization. A devastating impact of colonization has been the imprinting of homophobia and transphobia on communities. 
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Keep Learning:
​Conversations are a great way to deepen our commitment to inclusion, but Indigenous people are often burdened with always explaining things, so you might also consider learning from the work of widely available public figures, art, and media.
When we listen, we contribute to Truth, and when we incorporate understanding into decision-making, we contribute to Reconciliation.
With respect and gratitude to the Indigenous nations on whose land we call home,
Mischa (he/him)