Inside the world’s largest Two-Spirit gathering

 - by Brian Eckberg
   Two-Spirit Columnist
   All Nations Two-Spirit Society

Every February in San Francisco, the world’s largest gathering of Two-Spirit people is held. The Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirit Pow Wow, better known as BAAITS among IndigiQueer folx, is the oldest event of its kind. Beginning in 1999, BAAITS was created to recover the roles of Two-Spirit people that were lost or diminished after colonization.

BAAITS was created to recover the roles of Two-Spirit people that were lost or diminished after colonization. Photo provided.

Oklahoma native Miko Thomas (Chickasaw) serves as Board Treasurer. “We expect to have nearly 4,000 attend this year.”  That size represents the biggest gathering of IndigiQueer people every year.

All Nations Two-Spirit Society (ANTSS) board member, Kao Morris (Mvskoke/Muscogee), documented the pow wow with photos of the Grand Entry and other dance competitions on Saturday, February 14, 2026. “It’s a wonderful experience to get to be able to enjoy a weekend with my Two-Spirit queer indigenous friends, family and relatives.”

All Nations Two-Spirit Society (ANTSS) board member, Kao Morris (Mvskoke/Muscogee). Photo provided.

The Fort Mason Center in San Francisco has the needed space to accommodate the enormous turnout. BAAITS Pow Wow features an Indian market, a talking circle, speaker panels, drag brunch, traditional dance competitions and, of course, lots of frybread. Best of all, it’s a free event. And yes, non-indigenous, non-queer allies are always welcome to attend.

Kao Morris’s photos here show what a powerful weekend it is for re-energizing and uniting as a collective to celebrate culture and each other. “My favorite times are just small moments of having and hanging out with community and creating memories together,” says Morris. “It’s always a blessing to see community and continue to build it each year.”

This year’s official drum circle was provided by Oklahoma’s own Southern Pride Drum Group, led by ANTSS board member Wade Blevins (Cherokee) from Jay, OK. They provided the drums and traditional music that accompanied the dance competitions. Blevins is a Cherokee language educator whose free classes are available anytime on YouTube.

While next year’s pow wow date has yet to be formally announced, mark your calendar for Saturday, February 13, 2027, and keep an eye on cheap airfares for San Francisco. The BAAITS Pow Wow is an unforgettable event that will unite you with your Indigenous queer family and friends.

The Gayly online. 4/25/26 @ 2:29 p.m. CST.