Re: "berdache"

Claire Farrer (claire_farrer@macgate.csuchico.edu)
Wed, 5 Apr 1995 13:47:48 -0800

The term "berdache" is an out-dated one that was never correctly applied in
the first (among the French in the upper Midwest) place to any Native
American people. The preferred contemporary term is Two-Spirit, although
this, too, has problems in some languages.

In 1993 and 4 there were conferences among Native people, anthropologists,
psychologists, museum specialists, etc. to reconsider the term and its
multiple meanings. A book, with contributions by Native Two-Spirit people,
will soon be published. IN the meantime, write to Dr. Sue-Ellen Jacobs
(senior editor of the book) at the Women's Studies Program at the University
of Washington, Seattle, for more information.
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