The word "LGBTQ+" encompasses many different identities, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, nonbinary, and pansexual. Many people identify with multiple aspects of this umbrella term, while others may not identify with any of these labels at all. This is because everyone's experience of gender and sexuality can be unique and fluid, so there is no one right way to define oneself.
Some individuals may feel pressure to conform to certain expectations based on their culture or upbringing. In indigenous cultures around the world, it has been common for societies to recognize and celebrate diverse forms of gender and sexual expression.
Many Native American tribes have recognized and celebrated two-spirit individuals who embody both masculine and feminine characteristics. Despite this acceptance, Western frameworks such as the medical model of mental health still impact how indigenous peoples are viewed and treated regarding their gender and sexuality. In this essay, we will explore why LGBTQ+ discourse needs to move beyond Western frameworks in order to avoid imposing them on indigenous understandings of sex and sexuality. We will also discuss how recognizing diverse gender and sexual identities can lead to more inclusive and equitable communities.
Indigenous Understandings of Sex and Gender
Indigenous cultures often emphasize the importance of community and connection to the land, rather than individualism and competition. As such, many indigenous cultures view gender and sexuality as part of a larger continuum, rather than a binary system.
The Zuni tribe believes that everyone has a balance between female and male energies, which can be expressed through different roles and relationships within the community. Similarly, the Navajo tribe recognizes four genders: man, woman, nadleeh (transgender), and nádííne' (two-spirit). Two-spirits have historically played an important role in indigenous ceremonies and spiritual practices, acting as mediators between the human and spirit worlds. By contrast, Western medicine views transgender people as having a "disorder" or "condition," requiring medical intervention. This medicalization of transgender identity is based on the assumption that there is only one way to express gender, ignoring the rich cultural traditions of indigenous peoples around the world.
The Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Communities
Colonizers imposed their own values and beliefs on indigenous societies, including rigid ideas about gender and sexuality. European colonizers viewed Native Americans as "savages" who needed to be civilized, which included forcing them to conform to Christian ideals of masculinity and femininity. Missionaries and schools often separated children from their families, erasing traditional knowledge and customs. These colonial policies not only destroyed indigenous communities but also led to the widespread oppression of LGBTQ+ individuals. Today, many indigenous cultures are still recovering from this trauma, while trying to preserve their unique identities.
Reclaiming Traditional Identities
Some indigenous activists have sought to reclaim traditional understandings of gender and sexuality by reinterpreting existing beliefs and practices.
Some Native American tribes have revived two-spirit ceremonies and celebrations to honor diverse expressions of gender and sexuality. Others have created new rituals and initiations to affirm nonbinary identities. By recognizing the diversity of indigenous experiences, these communities can create more inclusive spaces for all members.
It is important to recognize the value of indigenous perspectives on sex and sexuality. By doing so, we can avoid imposing Western frameworks that are based on white supremacist ideologies. We must also work to decolonize our understanding of gender and sexuality in order to create more equitable and just societies. This means acknowledging that there is no one right way to express gender or sexuality, and that everyone's experience should be validated and respected. By learning from indigenous traditions, we can build a more inclusive world where all identities are celebrated and valued.
Can the global LGBTQ+ discourse avoid imposing Western frameworks on indigenous understandings?
Indigenous communities have distinct ways of understanding gender and sexuality that are deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. These understandings may not align with the dominant discourses surrounding gender and sexuality in Western society, which often prioritizes binaries and heteronormativity. As such, it is important for the global LGBTQ+ discourse to recognize and respect these differences and avoid imposing Western frameworks onto indigenous cultures.