Author(s): Marie Laing

Sociology

This book offers insights from young trans, queer and two-spirit Indigenous people in Toronto who examine the breadth and depth of meanings that two-spirit holds. This book offers insights from young trans, queer, and two-spirit Indigenous people in Toronto who examine the breadth and depth of meanings that two-spirit holds. Tracing the refusals and desires of these youth and their communities, Urban Indigenous Youth Reframing Two-Spirit expands critical conversations on queerness, Indigeneity, and community and simultaneously troubles the idea that articulating a definition of two-spirit is a worthwhile undertaking. Beyond the expansion of these conversations, this book also seeks to empower community members, educators, and young people — both Indigenous and non-Indigenous — to better support the self-determination of trans, queer, and two-spirit Indigenous youth. By including a research zine and community discussion guidelines, Laing demonstrates the possibility of powerful change that comes from Indigenous people creating spaces to share knowledge with one another. Complicates the process of scholarly inquiry into two-spirit lives, identities, and communities in service of creating a more just world by focusing on the needs, desires, and refusals of young Indigenous people. Addresses the distinct experiences of Indigenous trans, queer and two-spirit young people, which no published scholarly monograph has done to date. Expands the literature on two-spirit identities and communities using a methodology that centers the expertise of Indigenous youth.