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Two Spirit Group Prepares For Its 25th Annual Gathering After A Year Apart

Two Spirit Flag with LGBTQ+ flag behind it
2Sanon
The LGBTQ+ Two Spirit Flag

June was Pride month for LGBTQ+ individuals. And a group for Indigenous people who are Two Spirit is preparing to hold its annual gathering this summer after a year of trials for the community. This will be the gathering's 25th year.

David Herrera with the Montana Two Spirit Society says the event is an opportunity to heal after Indigenous communities were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and a suite of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

“The theme this year is resilience. As well as healing. Really focus on how we can heal. Because our Native Two Spirit community… we are disproportionately impacted when it comes to Covid,” Herrera says.

The term Two Spirit describes the complex relationship Indigenous people have with gender, same-sex relationships and roles within a community.

According to Indian Health Service, many tribes have their own words for and understandings of these interlocking relationships.

Herrera says that the Two Spirit Gathering in Montana is often the only time of the year Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ Indigenous people can be out and proud.

“Yeah, people are extremely excited. We are getting an amazing turnout of registration because people have not seen each other,” Herrera says.

Two bills made it into Montana law this year that LGBTQ+ advocates say are harmful. One law keeps trans girls from playing intercollegiate sports.

Another stemmed from the Montana Religious Freedom Restoration Act and has the potential to shield discriminatory acts towards LGBTQ+ persons, according to their advocates.

Monday, California barred state funds from being used to travel to Montana citing the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation passed by the Montana Legislature.

Taylar Stagner is Yellowstone Public Radio's Report for America Indigenous Affairs reporter.

Taylar Stagner covers tribal affairs for Yellowstone Public Radio.