Two Spirits, Xicano Sol [pdf ebook reader TXT] 📗

We had a guest facilitator tonight, a Native American Medicine Man who came in to teach the youth how to make dream catchers. It was great to see the participant’s eyes light up as he brought out all his materials and began to tell a story; a history that not many take the time to share, especially not in the public education system. He described a time when our community celebrated Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgenders as Two-Spirited people. In some tribes ceremonies were actually performed to thank the ancestors for the blessings brought through the presence of the Two-Spirited members. Two-Spirited people symbolized balance, blessed with healing gifts, and some were revered as shaman.

The youth seemed almost entranced by his story. For many, if not all, it was the first time anyone ever told them they could be celebrated for their identity. So many of them dealt with bullying on campus and teachers that didn’t seem to care very much for their struggles. You could tell from looking at them how much they were impacted by having a respected adult in a position of authority educate them on the legitimacy of their sexual orientation.

At the conclusion of the group we re-enacted the celebration. One group member was randomly chosen and the Medicine Man gave him his blessings. It was a night that won’t soon be forgotten and I’m hopeful that they will carry this moment of celebration with them well into adulthood.

Publication Date: 03-14-2012

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