Teddy Syrette/Ozhawa Anung Kwe/Yellow Star Woman, who sits in the Wolf Clan, tells compelling stories about their life as a first nation 2Spirit storyteller, actor, artist, and advocate from Sault Ste Marie.
The term '2Spirit' (niizh manidoowag) is a cultural identity that speaks to the long indigeneous history of gender diversity and same-sex relationships in different tribes and nations, which has been muddied and lost over centuries of colonial influence and law.
I relate to his story about connecting with a gay character on TV; I did the same and the relief I felt was equal measures unexpected and inspiring. The power of identifying with positive representations of oneself can never be overestimated.
The residential school system, and the havok it has wrought, should haunt and inform all Canadians. For more on that, you can read my brother's book Valley of the Birdtail.
To stay up to date, you can follow Teddy on instagram @ozhawa_anung_kwe
