August 1990
'Two-Spirit' Term Adopted at Inter-tribal Conference in Winnipeg
Activism Cultural International
At the Third Annual Inter-tribal Native American/First Nations Gay and Lesbian Conference near Winnipeg, Manitoba, approximately 100 Indigenous queer delegates adopted the term 'Two-Spirit'. Proposed by Albert McLeod (Nisichawayasihk Cree) and originating from Myra Laramee (Fisher River Cree), the Ojibwe translation 'niizh manidoowag' was chosen. The term replaced the colonial and pejorative term 'berdache'.
Impact & Significance
Gave Indigenous LGBTQ+ people a self-determined identity rooted in their own cultural traditions rather than Western frameworks.
Reference Record
- Date
- August 1990
- Era
- 1990-1999
- Sources
- 1
Editorially reviewed — reviewed · last reviewed 2026-09-10.
Questions This Event Helps Answer
Q What do Pride flags mean? Pride flags turn identity, solidarity and protest into visible symbols, helping LGBTQ+ communities claim space and recognise one another. Q What do gender-diverse historical lives show? They show that people have crossed, rejected or reworked gender categories across many centuries, cultures and institutions. Q How did asexual and Two-Spirit visibility grow? It grew through community language, Indigenous gatherings, online networks, research and public campaigns.
