When I Say Two-Spirit...
By Sueitko Zamorano Chavez
When I say two-spirit,
I mean every Indigibaby is born with the energies of the sun and moon,
Creating stability of all things,
Encouraging the essence of
Fire, air, water, and earth elements within us.
Representing our spiritual role models
Inevitably Balanced.
Purposefully Interconnected.
Rooted in cultural ideologies
With indigenous practices.
The cultural and spiritual representations
Of community in action
Of purpose in practice
Of who I am as an individual
Of who we are in connection with others.
When I say two-spirit, I mean the alternate two spirit flag created by Miigwan,
As you see on (in my painted interpretation),
Embracing nature & the energies our lands provide.
Embracing vibrant colors found in nature
Embracing how we express ourselves.
Every color has meaning.
In Totopec we are taught:
Rechine
negro / Black
Representing the west & physical energy
Wisdom & Longevity, Elder Knowledge,
Cultural connection with Hair,
Personal interactions, and Long Term Health
Bochut
blanco / White
Representing the north & mental energy
Life & Challenges, Overcoming Hardship,
Cultural Engagement,
Customs & Traditions, and Celebrating Ancestors
Ptiwin
amarillo / Yellow
Representing the east & emotional energy
Warmth & sustenance, Energy from the sun,
Fruits, Flowers, and Heat from fire
Lotinwa
rojo / Red
Representing the south & spiritual energy
Leadership & connectivity , Being in community,
Connection with others, Community leaders,
Guidance & mentorship
Sotwae
azul / Blue
Representing the water, sky & connective energy
Change & Adaptability, Embracing Fluidity,
Molding to circumstances, Unpredictable sky, and Movement
Lekyok
verde / Green
Representing plants, medicine & cultural responsibilities
Nature & growth, Connectivity with elements,
Personal exploration, and Community enhancement
When I say two-spirit, I mean someone’s physical self does not equal gender binaries.
The journey of coming to peace in balance of your mache and muche spirits.
Equilibrium for gender fluidity and non-conformity of expression or being,
Often imposed in colonized spaces,
That cultivates rigid ideologies of who they want us to be.
The journey for indigi-queer and indigenous gender diverse baddies,
To find strength within authentic Queer communities
For love and support in non-indigenous spaces.
For Feeling seen, and understood by peoples on their own journeys
Of embracing their true selves.
When I say two-spirit, I mean the visibility that gives us Power
To embrace our lives outside of a gender spectrum or ethnicity boxes.
To be free.
To be whole.
Sueitko (elle/they/them) is an Indigi-Latine, Two-spirit, Queer, two-time cancer surviving, chronically ill, neurodivergent multidisciplinary storyteller, event producer, host, and healer dedicated to highlighting experiences of the QTBIPOC community. Their upbringing sparked their creative and community work, which has been featured and published in multiple zines, blogs, and anthologies. Earning a Bachelor's and Master's in mental health inspired them to lead healing circles and various workshops on mental health awareness, creative healing and expression, as well as awareness of injustices toward often marginalized groups. Sueitko is a humble member of various local organizations and projects dedicated to empowering and enhancing our community. Follow Sueitko on Instagram: @2spiritqueer
Artist credit: Sueitko Zamorano Chavez
