You Know You're A Two-Spirit When...

...when you realize you're not alone anymore.

-The following humor page has been deemed innappropriate for a community owned website.-

The NorthEast Two-Spirit Society wants to apologize wholeheartedly if the words that were written on this post offended anyone. They were written by a young active member who is Two-Spirit. In his words, "90% of the things I wrote applied to me, I thought I would share some of my humor. I'm sorry if it was offensive-and will not post like that again on this site."

Mainly, our decision to remove this post came when our elder Kent Lebsock decided that it would not be appropriate and could cause too much offense. As a group which tries to walk a Red Road, we listened to our elder and decided to remove it as soon as possible. The purpose of this website is to share information we have learned and promote a sense of community on the World Wide Web. We thank Curtis Harris for his support and take it seriously when he asks for a constructive dialogue with Mr. LaFortune and Dr. Thomas as well as any other active Two-Spirit advocates.

Comments

[Kenya Pfister]

Osiyo,

After reading that "you know u r a Two-Spirit" my wig went all frizzy - now I have to re-set it.

Rosebud Kisses!
Kenya Pfister
Miss Osage Hills 2006

[J. Kehaulani Kauanui, Ph.D. (Native Hawaiian)]

Aue! Hewa! Please remove the "You know you're a two-spirit when..." from the site. It's offensive in so many ways and perpetuates anti-indigenous racism and ignorance.

[J. Kehaulani Kauanui, Ph.D. (Native Hawaiian)]

Aue! Hewa! Please remove the "You know you're a two-spirit when..." off the site. It's offensive in so many ways and perpetuates anti-indigneous racism and ignorance.

[Curtis Harris]

As one of the founders We Wah and Bar Chee Ampe, the first gay and lesbian Native organization in the New York Area, I too am concerned about this section, however, I do not believe the Northeast Two Spirit Society, which I support but do not participate, meant to insult anyone. I commend the Society for raising the visibility of 2 spirit people in the New York Area. There are many young people in the organization who could use the guidance of respected elders like Richard and Wesley - maybe a constructive dialog about the history of 2 spirit people would help. Thanks Richard and Wesley.

[Richard LaFortune]

Let's remove this 'You Know you're a Two Spirit...' section today please (Tue, Nov 14). The Two Spirit community doesn't need a social and cultural commentary on a website that presumes to represent Indigenous people as unknowledgeable about racial and cultural dialogue. We have been organizing and working for 20 years to overcome this kind of ignorance and backward motion.
Richard LaFortune
national director
2SPR

[Wesley K. Thomas, Ph.D. (Navajo)]

I am not sure what the purpose of this information is on this website. It certainly is not humorous, but racist, as one of the less insults, which as Two-Spirit people we have been dealing with for centuries. It does NOT contribute to enhancing our lives as marginalized Native people within our own communities and we are in no position to insult other people while we are still assaulted with verbal insults, violences, dimissals and multiple of other abuses within our own Native communities.
We certainly are in no position to fling these types of insults to and about people who have died attempting to live their lives as Two-Spirit people and, more importantly, it has undone their work to secure a place for us (today) within our "assumed" accepting tribal communities to live our lives. As we all know, we still have to be conscious of our presence within our own communities to ensure that we do live another day.
I only hope one has the sense to replace it with one which would contribute to our well being and existence.