Join us on Monday, March 21 for the first Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Awareness to Celebration Day. Advocated by the Two-Spirit community and created in partnership with the Two-Spirit Program at the CBRC, this annual event will recognize and celebrate the diverse sexualities and gender expressions that exist within our Indigenous communities.
“Visibility is an extremely important factor in increasing and supporting the health of Two-Spirit, queer and trans Indigenous folks,” says Jessy Dame, CBRC’s Two-Spirit Program Manager. “It’s a way to challenge the mythicization of our communities and exclaim that we are here, that we are proud, and that we want to celebrate our uniqueness. By having a specific day, we are no longer absorbed into the Western associations of Pride.”
The Two-Spirit Program Team chose to hold the event around Spring Equinox, as the date represents transformation and change, which is the in-between that Two-Spirit people have typically occupied.
“The first hour of the event will provide some education and teachings from Two-Spirit Elders and Knowledge Keepers, as well as grassroots community voices. Proclamations will also be made from Indigenous leaders and the City of Vancouver. The second hour will be an expression of Two-Spirit—from drag to song to drumming.”
Performing at this year’s event will be Ladonna Cree, the Hauz of Cree (Just Dana Cree, Desire Devine Cree, Etherea Cree), Gayle Pruden and Nenookaasi Ogichidaa.
The two-hour celebration will be online and open to everyone from 11 AM to 1 PM PT. There is no link to register. To participate, visit cbrcevents.net/.
