Rev. Irene Monroe: Remembering Two-Spirits this Thanksgiving
by: Pam Spaulding
Wed Nov 25, 2009 at 14:00:00 PM EST
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14218/rev-irene-monroe-remembering-twospirits-this-thanksgiving As I prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of the autumnal harvest time's spiritual significance. As a time of connectedness, I pause to acknowledge what I have to be thankful for. But I also reflect on the holiday as a time of remembrance - historical and familial.
Historically, I am reminded that for many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is not a cause of celebration, but rather a National Day of Mourning, remembering the real significance of the first Thanksgiving in 1621 as a symbol of persecution and genocide of Native Americans and the long history of bloodshed with European settlers.
I am also reminded of my Two-Spirit Native American brothers and sisters who struggle with their families and tribes not approving of their sexual identities and gender expressions as many of us do with our families and faith communities.
