NorthEast Two-Spirit Society

'Beyond Beads And Feathers' Was Standing Room Only!

Last night at the LGBT Center, The NorthEast Two-Spirit Society hosted their panel discussion, "Beyond Beads and Feathers." It was standing room only. A cross section of Two-Spirits, white LGBT's and straight academics were introduced to the Two-Spirit community of the Northeast. Panelists included drama therapist Nick Billey (Oklahoma), noted Cultural Interpreter, Ben Geboe (Yankton Sioux), NE2SS Co-Chair Melissa Hoskins (Tahlequah Cherokee), NE2SS elder, Kent Lebsock (Lakota), filmmaker and NE2SS webmaster Kevin VanWanseele (Kumeyaay), and founder of Nations of the 4 Directions, Karen Vigneault (Kumeyaay).

This event was the first time WeWah and BarcheAmpe members (the gay Indian organization which preceded NE2SS) and The NorthEast Two-Spirit Society had a chance to discuss the history of the Two-Spirit movement, where it can go, and what it has to offer Natives and non-Natives of straight and LGBT backgrounds. Other topics such as HIV and co-optation of culture were also discussed. At one point two of the panelists became quite emotionally charged when discussing the issues. (You will have to see the video to find out which ones.)

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OutFM Interviews Melissa Hoskins, Harlan Pruden, and Kevin VanWanseele

OutFM on WBAI 99.7 interviewed Melissa Hoskins, Harlan Pruden and Kevin VanWanseele on Monday for NE2SS' "Beyond Beads and Feathers" event. Hear the 30 minute piece below. They did a great job explaining some of the issues confronting Two-Spirits today. Have a listen...

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Kent Lebsock Attends International AIDS Conference and Delivers a Message from NE2SS

In 1996, an Alaska Native woman living with HIV in New York City traveled to Vancouver to be a part of the closing ceremonies.  This was huge and really the first time the presence of Indigenous peoples was acknowledged at the Conference.

In 1996, the 11th International AIDS Conference was held in Vancouver after the United States was banned from hosting the world gathering because of its barbaric stance prohibiting people with HIV/AIDS through its ever tightening borders (imagine if they tried to keep people with breast cancer out of the country).  This policy is still in effect some 25 years into the epidemic. 

NE2SS Member Roger Kuhn Rocked The House

Last night, Roger Kuhn hosted OutMusic's open mic night. I heard he was phenomenal, as usual. Congrats!

Make sure you check out Roger's Brand New Website! W.O.R.K. It's beautiful, and was designed by another NE2SS member Patrick Tafoya of NYCEGrafx. For all your web design needs!

A-Ho

Tulsa Two-Spirit Gathering 2007

April 13-16 2007

The NorthEast Two-Spirit Society will be making their annual group trip to the Tulsa Two-Spirit Gathering.

Roger Kuhn, Harlan Pruden and Kevin VanWanseele attended the gathering last year. Wow! What a time they had! There were workshops, sweat ceremonies, grass dancing, and good lookin' Indians all around. For Roger, it was his first time at the gathering. Everyone was very nice and hospitable. The food was excellent-the stories even better. For city folk like Kevin, the absolute quiet of the forest was unnervingly calming.

If you have never attended this Two-Spirit affirming event, I suggest you contact the group and come along. Everyone is welcome-Two-Spirit newbies, Two-Spirit hardcores, their friends and family.

Contact: Kevin VanWanseele for more information about the trip

Monthly Business and Social Meeting

(Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month)

LGBT Community Center

208 W. 13th St. (btw 7th & 8th)

Manhattan

8:00pm

Mark Your Calendars!!!