March 20th is Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day! In Canada, we recognize this day – coinciding with the spring equinox – to honor and uplift the diverse identities and contributions of Two-Spirit people.
Two-Spirit, a translation of the Anishinaabemowin term niizh manidoowag, refers to a person who embodies both a masculine and feminine spirit.
This day serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Two Spirit people, who have long held important roles in their communities as healers, leaders, and knowledge keepers. It also raises awareness about the unique challenges they face, including discrimination, erasure, and barriers to healthcare and social support.
Since 2021, the Two-Spirit team at the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) has been advocating for the creation and recognition of an annual day of celebration. Visit their website to learn more about this day, how to get involved, and ideas for hosting events in your community.
Here is a list of books, movies, and media to engage with to learn more about Two-Spirit identities and experiences!
Further reading and resources:
- Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day (Reconcili-ACTION YEG, March 2025)
- “A Two-Spirit Journey by Ma-Nee Chacaby, with Mary Louisa Plummer” (CBC Books, Jan 2025)
- Two Spirit Day officially recognized in British Columbia (APTN News, March 2023)
- Two-Spirit (The Canadian Encyclopedia, September 2023)
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