Safe Haven

Once a month I try to attend a group dedicated to providing safe havens for anyone who may need them- from LGBTQ to beyond. People dealing with drug, weight, abuse and cutting problems to name a few.

I have a tendency to show up at the meetings with a chip on my shoulder of sorts. Sure, growing up transgender was no piece of cake, but few lives are. It seems my heart has been broken almost every meeting. Why do I go? It seems (unless there is a transgender speaker), I am the lone transgender regular to make an appearance.

What I would like to see is a Native American Indian representative talk about the faded influence of twin or two spirited individuals in the tribal systems. If you aren't familiar, "Two Spirit" is not interchangeable with "LGBT Native American" or "Gay Indian";^[2] this title differs from most western, mainstream definitions of sexuality and gender identity in that it is not so much about whom one sleeps with, or how one personally identitfies; rather, it is a sacred, spiritual and ceremonial role that is recognized and confirmed by the Elders of the Two Spirit's ceremonial community."

So far, I have not been able to hear such a person and my friends of Native American Indian descent have very little knowledge of the history. 

There is a small TV cable channel called Vice now in it's fourth year. On it's "Gaycation" series, they mentioned several transgender issues, including "two spirit" individuals. Who are crucial to any study of trans history.

All any of us can do is try to influence what we can. Even the "repeat" Halloween appearence can trigger positive responses from co-workers. (Oh!, she (you) could be one of those!) Plus, being one of 'those' to the average cis-woman is not a bad thing-unless you are her 'man.' 

So, safe spaces are tough to come by and the holidays make the situation even worse. If you have the chance to help...please do.

Two Spirits Headed To DC.

PBS-Independent Lens broadcasted the film  TWO SPIRITS nationally from June 14th-29th, 2011. A year later, the "Two Spirit Group" has been invited to the White House! Follow this link 
to learn more plus news about another project "Shi Ma' ".