Two-Part Two-Spirit Training

Audre Lorde Project, NorthEast Two-Spirit Society and

Stonewall Community Foundation

offer a

Two-Part Two-Spirit Training

March 16, 2013

11am – 6pm

Morning Session:

Two-Spirit Then and Now:

An Introduction to the Two-Spirit Community

The Indigenous peoples of this land referred to as North America have many cultural traditions that have often been misrepresented or suppressed through the colonization process. Many of these are significantly different perspectives on sex, gender and sexuality than those imported from Western Europe.

One tradition that was nearly lost is what is generally referred to as Two-Spirit (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Native peoples). This interactive session examines the past, present and future of the Two-Spirit peoples with a focus on issues around gender diversity, sexuality and spirituality both historically and contemporarily and their implication to the larger LGBT movement. Attendees will receive a copy of the “Two-Spirit Resource Directory” for further learning and information on the Two-Spirit organizations.

Afternoon Session:

Providing (more) Culturally Appropriate

Services to the Two-Spirit Community Members

Participants from community-based organizations, behavioral health, mental health, HIV/AIDS service providers will learn how to work more effectively with Two-Spirit people. Community members, who are not direct service providers, are welcome to attend the second session. They will learn tools to be better allies to NY’s Two-Spirit community.

In this session, participants will discuss how historical trauma led to the dissolution of the role and the displacement of Two-Spirit people from within their Nations and native communities. The connection between the displacement of Two-Spirit people from their heritage and who routinely experience stigma and discrimination in Native, LGBT and mainstream society is presented and discussed in terms of the impact on their health and mental health risks, health disparities and recovery support needs. Participants examine intervention and healing approaches that use traditional practices, including those that incorporated the special role of Two-Spirit people in traditional Native communities.

Contact:  Irma Bajar (212) 463-0342 x17 or

*snacks, refreshments, and metro cards will be provided

* Open to all LGBTSTGNC POC and Allies.

To Register: Click HERE 

Registration deadline is March 13th at 5pm.

About the Presenters:

Harlan Pruden (First Nations Cree) is a co-founder of the NorthEast Two Spirit Society based in NYC, where he works organize the two-spirit (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Native) community. After committing himself to sobriety almost 26 years ago, Harlan became the first person in his family to attend university and now devotes his life to First Nations community organizing and other progressive causes.

Sheldon Raymore (Cheyenne River Sioux), a leader and board member of the NorhtEast Two-Spirit Society. Growing up on his reservation, he was a competitive (grass) dancer on the National pow-wow circuit. Sheldon is wise beyond his years, and has the perspective of someone who was shunned by his people and community when he came out. However, as a result of his participation with the NorthEast Two-Spirit Society, he has not only been able to unify his Native and gay identities into one (Two-Spirit), and now works with his family, community, with the guidance and support spiritual leaders and elders of his Nation to undo the impact of colonization has had on his people and all the indigenous people.

Dr. Barbara E. Warren, Psy.D., LMHC, CASAC, CPP is a nationally recognized expert on provision of evidence-based, culturally competent behavioral health services to diverse populations, and has over 30 years of experience in the development and implementation of mental health, substance abuse and social service programs in community based settings. For 22 years, Dr. Warren directed the behavior health services and research that at NYC’s the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of New York City. She is the author of the SAMHSA’s training curriculum, A Provider’s Introduction to Substance Abuse Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals as well and many other Federal, State and City initiatives. For the past 8 years, Dr. Warren as served as the principle planning and training consultant to the NorthEast Two-Spirit Society.