The LGBTQ2 is an acronym mostly widely used in Canada and other parts of North America.
Outside Canada LGBTQ2 is not in wide use, its origins are a means of identifying some Native (North) Americans. However due, in part, to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau its use has become popularised.
The 2 in LGBTQ2 stands for ‘two-spirit’. It is an umbrella term for being a “two spirit” described as a Native (North) American who identifies as non-binary, non-cisgendered or genderqueer. It could also refer to someone who identifies as non-heterosexual. It is used to describe certain spiritual people. It is not interchangeable with LGBT Native American.
Wikipedia explains, “it is a sacred, spiritual and ceremonial role that is recognised and confirmed by the Elders of the Two Spirit’s ceremonial community. While some have found the term a useful tool for intertribal organising, not all Native cultures conceptualise gender or sexuality this way, and most tribes use names in their own languages.”
The L stands for Lesbian
The G stands for Gay
The B stands for Bisexual
The T stands for Trans
The Q stands for Queer (use with caution) or Questioning
The 2 stands for two-spirit
It was adopted in 1990 to replace an outdated and now considered offensive term.
The term is not widely used outside North America.
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