In 1990, the term Two-Spirit (also two spirit, 2S or two spirited) was devised as a modern umbrella to describe Indigenous people who fulfilled gender-variant roles in their cultures. Perhaps the most notable Lhamana in history–now also recognized as a significant Two-Spirited figurehead–was We’wha, who as a ceremonial leader, cultural ambassador and expert craftsperson helped preserve the Zuni way of life, and who in 1886 made a lasting impression in Washington, D.C. when they met personally with President Grover Cleveland.
Making Queer History has a vague title because it has a rather vague purpose. We are not alone in our aim to tell the queer community’s history. What defines us is our focus not only on the past, but toward the future.