SF is Home to the Biggest LGBTQ Two Spirit Powwow in the Country!

From the Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits instagram page

San Francisco is home to the biggest Two Spirit Powwow in the country, organized by the Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits (BAAITS). Due to the continued fuckery of Covid-19, the 11th Annual BAAITS Two Spirit Powwow will be livestreamed on their YouTube page on Feb. 12. The powwow includes a variety of categories involving music and dance, with judges and scoring. There are also related events in the week leading up to the powwow and you can see that schedule on their website.

Wikipedia defines Two Spirit as “a modern, pan-Indian, umbrella term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe Native people in their communities who fulfill a traditional third-gender (or other gender-variant) ceremonial and social role in their cultures.” Many Native American tribes have a rich history of recognizing and validating individuals who fall into this category. Each tribe has their own language and traditions surrounding the identity. These beliefs often uplift Two Spirit people to important roles within the community. Even though the traditions were stifled by colonial oppression, Two Spirit individuals have always been here and events like the BAAITS Two Spirit Powwow help decolonize notions of gender and sexuality.

I spoke with the lead of the protocol committee, Miko Thomas (a.k.a. drag legend Landa Lakes), about the event. When asked what makes the BAAITS Powwow so special and different, she had this to say:

“Our intention from the very beginning was to create an atmosphere that was welcoming and embracing. It was unique in that it was created by Two-Spirit people (Native American LGBTQI) but we reached out to our full community, it wasn’t just a powwow for queer people but one that was open for everyone. After our third year, we decided to degender all of our dances. At most powwows, you have very specific categories for men, women, boys and girls but at our powwow we simply took those nomenclatures. So, we went from Women’s Jingle Dance to just Jingle Dance, Men’s Fancy Dance became Fancy Dance allowing people to dance in the category they felt they were called.”

When asked what event is a “must see” for first timers, Landa said: “Although Grand Entry is fun to see the presentation of colors, the eagle staffs, flags, rainbow/trans flags and all the dancers, one of the highlights has always been the Potato Dance. Partners compete with other couples for this fun social dance and it just leaves you with a great feeling.”

Though the event is virtual this year, I suggest reading this guide about how to understand and enjoy powwows. If you are an outsider, like myself, be sure to pay close attention to the “Do’s and Don’ts”. Landa also had some tips on how to respectfully appreciate the event;

“Follow the rules, often referred to as protocol, listen to the emcees as they will often instruct you. Here are some basics to follow; not sitting in chairs or benches reserved for the dancers which are usually located around the dancing arena, don’t take pictures or film without asking the dancers or drummers if it is okay to do, don’t get in the dancers’ way, don’t wear costumes and don’t bring your pet or service animal into the arena.”

Since they can’t collect donations or have vendors at the live event, consider making a donation or buying some merch if you tune in. Maybe consider it even if you don’t watch the livestream because, like it or not, us non-natives live on their land and continue to benefit from the effects of colonization.

Although the event is powerful and captivating in person, it is very cool that you can appreciate it from the comfort of your own home! Virtual performances have come a long way in the past two years. I’ve seen some virtual drag performances that rival some of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. And BAAITS has virtual drag, too! On Thursday 2/10 you can tune in to their YouTube channel for a Two-Spirit Indigiqueer Drag Night. We are so fortunate to have such a grand display of culture here in our city, and this year it can be appreciated by anyone with internet access! So tell your friends and tune in!

Land Acknowledgement: This piece was written on Ohlone land.