FLATHEAD LAKE, Mont. — The Montana Two Spirit Society, a Native American organization formed by LGBT groups, is holding its 23rd annual gathering this week at Flathead Lake.

The term "two spirit" doesn't simply describe LGBTQ Native Americans, however. Members of the group say it goes beyond sexuality and gender identity. Founder of the society Steven Barrios said "two spirit" defines a role in tribes that existed across North America before Europeans arrived.

"We don't consider ourselves gay, because with that term 'two spirit' comes a lot of responsibility,” Barrios said. “We give back to our communities. We take care of elders, our youth. We had roles in our community that carried responsibilities with that name."

Barrios said colonization took away the traditional role of two spirits, but groups like his are reclaiming it.

While each tribe has its own word for the concept, the umbrella term “two spirit” was coined in the 1990s to recognize that many tribes identify people with both male and female characteristics who are gender non-conforming. The gathering is a drug and alcohol-free event and runs through Wednesday.

Executive director of the Montana Two Spirit Society David Herrera said there will be cross-cultural talks at the gathering where people will discuss the effects of colonization on their cultures. Herrera said two spirit youths often experience bullying, and that is an issue his society addresses.

"Certainly among the Two Spirit native communities, youth suicide continues to be a big concern and one that a lot of times goes under-reported,” Herrera said. “So that's why a lot of the work that we do tends to focus around letting our youth know that they are welcome, that they do have a place."

Indigenous people from tribes across the country, as well as Canada, Mexico, the Philippines and Laos, will be in attendance.


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Today, Montanans will gather outside the Statehouse to observe International Transgender Day of Visibility, during a legislative session that has targeted that community.

More than 500 bills aimed at the LGBTQ+ community have been brought to legislatures across the U.S. this session. Montana lawmakers introduced more than 20 - the highest rate in the region.

Last week, Gov. Greg Gianforte signed two such bills - one prohibiting trans girls and women from playing school sports and another dictating access to public bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms.

Julia Maxon, program director for Catalyst Montana, said the Day of Visibility is timely.

"While we should celebrate and uplift trans people every day," said Maxon, "it is especially important now because of all of the attempts to attack the trans community coming from our state Legislature."

In a video on X, Gianforte said the laws promote "fairness, privacy and security."

The American Civil Liberties Union, in support of a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against House Bill 121, argues that it violates the right to privacy guaranteed in the State Constitution.

Maxon said trans Montanans are "fellow Montanans" and that lawmakers' efforts to target that community come to the detriment of all residents.

"Like other Montanans," said Maxon, "we just want the Legislature to focus on issues facing all of us, including but not limited to affordable housing, access to health care, and child care."

The Day of Visibility observance will be at the Capitol's flag plaza at noon. Maxon said it will include speakers and activities meant to "build community and solidarity."



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Today is the International Trans Day of Visibility, to recognize the contributions of transgender people in society -- and raise awareness of the discrimination they face worldwide.

More than 800 pieces of legislation targeting trans rights have been introduced across the nation this year alone, including eight in Washington state.

Jade Lenore Le Duff is the chief of staff with the Black and trans-led Lavender Rights Project. She said it's alarming that some politicians feel they have the power to "erase" trans people, and that it's critical to have a day that affirms trans identities.

"Especially for youth to see that, regardless of what's happening in our current political landscape, that we're still here," said Le Duff, "we're still advocating, we're still fighting."

Nearly a third of anti-trans bills nationwide target educational settings, while two bills in Olympia aim to strengthen queer and trans students' rights to privacy.

One would require a student's consent before sharing confidential medical and counseling documents. Another would amend the "Parents Right Initiative," adding a statement of students' rights.

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order eliminating the federal recognition and protection of transgender and nonbinary people.

Le Duff said if you're wondering how to support trans and other gender-nonconforming people -- today and every day -- start by checking in with trans people you know, and acknowledging their experience.

"I would hope they would not only join in the fight for liberation," said Le Duff, "but also in some way, shape, or form, be visible in the same ways that we are."

Le Duff said she is concerned that trans people, who represent just 0.6% of the population, are being used as political scapegoats. But, she added, she still has hope for the future.

"Regardless of the attack, regardless of the willful ignorance, we've always forged a way forward," said Le Duff, "and we will again."

The organization OutNebraska is holding an event not only to raise money for LGBTQ+ issues but to help people better understand the issues and their importance in the community.

The Classy-Tacky Ball is as much a "friendraiser" as a fundraiser. OutNebraska focuses on advocacy, education and celebration.

Abbi Swatsworth, executive director of OutNebraska, said the group sees the event as a chance to help community members be better allies for LGBTQ+ people and teach them how to be civically engaged.

"Whether that is through volunteering for boards or commissions, voting in elections, how to contact your policymakers, how to talk to your local school board," Swatsworth outlined. "Those sorts of things."

The event is scheduled for April 5 in Lincoln.

Swatsworth added efforts include speaking up where LGBTQ+ voices typically have not been heard and pointed out there are plenty of ways for people to get involved.

"That might look like phone banking or helping to recruit other volunteers, or helping community members connect with their elected officials," Swatsworth explained.

For those who may not be comfortable reaching out or being in public, Swatsworth noted OutNebraska also needs people to do data entry, tidy up the office and help staff the Pride events scheduled statewide this summer.