You are made of medicine: A mental health peer support manual for Indigiqueer, Two-Spirit, LGBTQ+, and Gender Non-Conforming Indigenous youth
“We know that homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are invasive species - our nations, peoples, and communities have teachings based on respect and self-determination that go back much farther than the hateful ideas brought over by Colonizers.” - p15
Colonialism, homophobia, and transphobia are structural determinants of health that have intersecting harmful impacts on the health and well-being of Two-Spirit people in Canada. Two-Spirit is an umbrella or basket term that encompasses diverse genders and sexualities of people who are Indigenous to Turtle Island.
This peer support mental health manual from the Native Youth Sexual Health Network is written by and for Indigenous youth who are Indigiqueer, Two-Spirit, LGBTQ+ and Gender Non-Conforming. This manual offers tips, strategies, and no or low-cost resources to help youth with their mental health and well-being and to support their friends, family members and communities.
What is peer support? “Peer support is emotional and practical support offered between people who share a common experience.”
The manual includes the following five sections, which have art, accessible definitions, and exercises woven throughout.
- Choosing our words
- Colonialism and trauma
- Seeking support
- Strategies
- Resources
This manual can be used by Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth. Public health practitioners who are working with Indigenous youth can use the manual to reflect on and incorporate approaches to mental health and wellbeing that recognize the impacts of colonialism, homophobia, and transphobia, and center the self-determination of LGBTQ+ Indigenous youth.
Note: You can download and print this manual free, or you can email the Native Youth Sexual Health Network to purchase paper copies.
Use this resource to:
- Guide and encourage peer support amongst Indigiqueer, Two-Spirit, LGBTQ+ and Gender Non-Conforming Indigenous youth
- Facilitate discussion about youth mental health and well-being rooted in self-determination, respect, and an understanding of the harmful impacts of colonialism, homophobia and transphobia
Related Resources:
To learn more about what Two-Spirit means and how public health practitioners can support Two-Spirit health, listen to Season 1 Episode 6 “Disrupting Colonialism for Two-Spirit Health” of the NCCDH’s Mind the Disruption podcast.
BCCDC COVID-19 language guide: Guidelines for inclusive language for written and digital content
Introduction to Two-Spirit Health (NCCIH)
See other resources on 2SLBGTQI+ Health.
Reference
Native Youth Sexual Health Network. (n.d.) You are made of medicine: A mental health peer support manual for Indigiqueer, Two-Spirit, LGBTQ+, and Gender Non-Conforming Indigenous youth. https://www.nativeyouthsexualhealth.com/peersupportmanual
Tags: Indigenous health, 2SLGBTQI+ health, Mental Health, Community Organization, Document, Tool