The Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits

BAAITS describes themselves as “a community-based volunteer organization offering culturally relevant activities for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Native Americans, their families and friends.  Two-Spirit refers to the commonly shared notion among many Native American tribes that some individuals naturally possessed and manifested both a masculine and feminine spiritual qualities. American society commonly identifies Two-Spirit People as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender.

Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits comes together to socialize, share and network in an alcohol and drug-free environment. BAAITS sees itself as an organization for Two-Spirit people to explore their rich heritage in a safe environment.

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Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits (BAAITS) exists to restore and recover the role of Two-Spirit people within the American Indian/First Nations community by creating a forum for the spiritual, cultural and artistic expression of Two-Spirit people.”

Flyer for the 2018 Two-Spirit Powwow, Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits.

BAAITS created the first known two-spirit powwow to be organized since the United States has existed.  It still happens every year.  Yet another example of gender nonconforming people carving out space to be with and support one another.