Episode 23: Embracing Two-Spirit Pride - Navigating Challenges and Cultivating Support for Native American Youth

BeingMe: A Teen Mental Health Podcast

About This Episode

Welcome to a special Pride-themed episode of BeingMe, where we dive deep into the experiences and challenges faced by Two-Spirit youth in Native American communities. In this episode, we are joined by Michelle Singer and Taylor Dean from Healthy Native Youth, an organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Native American teens.

In part one of our conversation (Episode 21) with Healthy Native Youth, we explored the resources available for Native American teens struggling with mental health issues. Michelle and Taylor shed light on their organization's various services and discuss how these resources can be accessed to support those in need.

In the second part of our conversation with Health Native Youth, we delve into the concept of Two-Spirit. Michelle and Taylor provide insight into the term, explaining that it is a culturally specific term used by some Native American tribes to describe individuals embodying masculine and feminine qualities. Furthermore, our guests shed light on who can use the term and offer guidance on its respectful usage.

Cultural competency and sensitivity are vital when working with Two-Spirit youth, and our guests emphasize their importance. Michelle and Taylor discuss how non-Native service providers can best support these young people in a culturally appropriate manner, emphasizing the significance of understanding and respecting Native traditions, customs, and histories. They share insights into building trust and creating safe spaces for Two-Spirit youth.

For Two-Spirit youth struggling to find supportive resources and communities, our guests offer empowering advice. They share strategies for seeking out affirming spaces and encourage self-advocacy. Additionally, they address allies and highlight the ways in which they can better support the health and well-being of Two-Spirit youth, such as actively educating themselves, amplifying Two-Spirit voices, and advocating for inclusive policies.

Lastly, we explore the vibrant Navajo Pride celebration held in Window Rock, Arizona. Michelle and Taylor provide captivating details about this annual event, its cultural significance, and the ways in which it fosters a sense of community and pride among the Navajo people.

Join us for this enlightening episode as we amplify the voices of Michelle Singer and Taylor Dean, who share invaluable insights into the challenges faced by Two-Spirit youth in Native American communities and shed light on the importance of cultural competency and support in promoting their health and well-being.

About Our Guests

Healthy Native Youth is an organization that promotes the health and well-being of Native youth through culturally responsive education and resources. Their mission is to provide access to accurate information and support for Native youth on various topics, including sexual health, mental health, substance abuse prevention, and healthy relationships.

They partner with Native communities to develop and implement culturally appropriate curricula and training programs that support young people's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Healthy Native Youth produces resources for Native teens and caring adults, including online educational materials, training workshops, and community-based outreach initiatives.

About BeMe

BeMe is a mobile mental health platform — made for and With Teens In Mind™ — to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of social, gaming, streaming engagement, human coaching, and clinical care.

Our Host

Dr. Neha Chaudhary, BeMe Health

Producer

Derek E. Baird, Chief Youth Officer, BeMe Health

Date of Recording

March 31, 2023

Closed Captions are auto-generated | The BeingMe podcast is a BeMe Studios Production. All rights reserved. © BeMe, Inc 2023