Symbols of Two-Spirit people

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

Unity, Transformation, Medicine. These are all aspects of Two-Spirit people and their unique roles in traditional Native culture.

Symbols have always been important to Indigenous societies because they transcend language barriers and help explain our values and identities. It is the same for Two-Spirit and IndigiQueer people, as we attempt to communicate who we are. Perhaps you’ve seen some of these symbols before. Exploring some of these here will hopefully give our readers a greater understanding.

The Rainbow: Rainbows are widely seen among hundreds of Native tribes as a bridge between above and below. The above is the spiritual world, and the below is the earthly realm. Because they appear alongside answered prayers for rain, they are often seen as signs of hope. We stand united with our larger queer family in the identity of the rainbow colors, while also connecting them to the spiritual world of Creator.

The Feather: Indigenous peoples identify the feather as a bridge between ourselves, Creator and the bird from which it came. The feather is used as a sacred symbol of honor, guidance and courage. For many of our societies, everything in nature is understood to have a spirit possessing these traits. A feather that is shed is a gift of these qualities. This is part of the medicine Two-Spirit people are traditionally known to possess.

The Medicine Wheel: Two-Spirit symbols often depict the Medicine Wheel or Sacred Hoop, which embodies health and healing. Divided into four sections, the wheel represents directions, seasons, elements, stages of life and the sacred medicines of tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass. We use these medicines in ceremony.

Pre-colonial wisdom among our tribes held that Two-Spirits were medicine people who heal, make peace, and share visions. Because Two-Spirits can possess the many natures of all genders (not just two as the name might suggest), they hold a unique ability to understand and unite people, no matter how different.

The Crow: So many Native cultures see the crow as a symbol of transformation and change. It is a messenger between worlds. Crows are known for their ability to adapt. Traditional folklore shares the stories of the crow as a guide and protector, one who can help us navigate the changes in our lives. This is another way to understand the unique role of Two-Spirit leadership and the nature of Two-Spirit people, who embody life’s transformations.

I want to be careful in this article, so as not to assign a singular meaning to any one symbol. But hopefully, this can give you a starting point for understanding Two-Spirit people and some of the iconography that often represents us. These are not just pride symbols for “gay Indians.”  They express who we are as Two-Spirit people. We do not only feel called to live. We feel called to lead, heal and build understanding.

Thanks for reading & Wado!

The Gayly online. 12/12/25 @ 4:32 p.m. CST.