Reclaiming What's Sacred: Two Spirit Sexuality

While I grew in the womb, my Mother was determined that I would be a boy. And, in time, it
became apparent that I am one.

Stepping deeper into a cut-throat industry whose foundation is built on appearances and
performances, I have chosen to let go of the control I once desired to hold onto. I delve into the
artistry of fluid characters and energies, which have always lain within and without of my own
being since conception. Let the world see me as they wish, and I shall only show my truest form
to those, in private, who have earned it.

Trying to navigate perceptions within a modern, Western Colonial society as a person whose
rooted identity stems from a multi-cultural background that does not carry the same
interpretation of gender, is painstakingly exhausting.

My modern relatives and ancestors, both revered within human society and in the divine, the
sacredness of gender-fluidity. Standing here today in a colonized land and being met face-on
with the reminders of such a grotesque act, I struggle to see how I may fit into spaces within my
current environment. I have chosen not to, for fitting in is no longer an option for me.

Within the lands in which I walk upon, where these words are written, and these photos were
taken, my Maternal lineage has lived for as long as humans have.

Two Spirit may be a newer term, in a language not of our own, but it is a modern English title to
translate a very ancient way of seeing ourselves. Our connections to our communities of people,
land, spirits, and nature around us. Everyone has a different interpretation of any piece of
language. Here, I’ll be using ‘Two-Spirit’ to describe the way I feel in relation to myself and my
place in the world, as my Mother's offspring.

I am made of both male and female energies. I embody both roles, and embed this within my
artwork. Connecting with spirits across our raw, wild, and holy Earth whose makeup consists of
the same presentation as mine. To flow within and between both the masculine and feminine in
my personal and professional life is a gift I have always recognized as being powerful. Despite
the challenges from society it has given me since childhood, I truly honour the fact that I, and all
my queer ancestors before me, are beautiful individuals.

The joy, love, and passionate artistry that comes of this fluidity has expanded my heart and
creative mind in many ways that I am ever grateful for. It has given me the option of allowing
myself to view my surroundings in a very unique and rare light. As well as develop an incredible
strength and resilience. Both qualities needed to act as a grounded, protective person
throughout adulthood. My relationship with the Earth, Her emotions, ebbing and flowing with
each season with all Her manitou, is a constant reminder that who I am is natural, ancient, and
graceful.

In my Romani paternal lineage, Hinduism has reigned for millennia. A people, a way of life, of
seeing the world, and composing yourself. Of how to shape yourself into a person with whom
you are comfortable being. The oldest recorded human faith in history, proudly and with
sincere, deepest respect and veneration, displaying some of the world's most impactful
transgender deities.

To see and worship the Divine who often change from male to female, female to male, as well as
exist outside of those two binaries- or live within a form that embodies both at the same timehas been uplifting and enlightening.

Shiva, the divine masculine, is often found in the androgynous form of Ardhanārīśvara. Split
down the centre to make up half himself, and half his wife, Parvati; the divine feminine. They
are merged into one person, as the Half Woman Lord.

Vishnu and his incarnated avatar Krishna, both alike, consistently shift into his female form
Mohini. Mohini in scripture has defeated many battles through means of persuasion and charm;
she is the ultimate personification of beauty.

Shikhandi, a strong, transmasculine warrior from scripture, was born as a Princess to King
Drupada of Panchala. Raised all his life as a man to society and unto himself, he was married to
the Princess of Dasharna. His new wife complained to her Father that her husband did not have
the body she expected him to. In a state of panic and anguish, Shikhandi fled to the forest,
whereupon he met a Yaksha (nature spirit) named Sthuna. Sthuna wished to help Shikhandi,
and did so by exchanging their sexes, thus granting our Prince the physical form he truly
desired. Shikhandi's story of becoming his true self spans that of lifetimes, and is one of justice
and revenge.

The merging and transforming of the divine feminine and masculine has been a sacred act and
practice for thousands of years within humanity. In this art piece, I strived to convey the tragic
longing for synchronicity and balance between these energies, and to display their duality.
Our lead model, Angel of the Kalinago people. Powerfully representing their indigenous heritage
and genderfluid identity, takes on the role of the divinely worshipped within our visuals. They
embody the personification and sacredness of romanticized idol devotion. Through talent,
transformation, and bringing elements of authenticity, Angel becomes revered.