It feels like a good time to repost this piece which I published February 2014.
I have known for a very long time about the tradition of gender-variant shaman among Native American peoples primarily in North America, and recently I felt moved to research further. This poem is the fruit of my research and prayer. I dedicate it to my dear friend Jim, the extroverted gay mystic, who gave this gift at the hardest of times to a church which could not receive it.
photo credit: ID 8136471 © Njnightsky | Dreamstime.c
Bibliography:
http://potnia.theladyofthelabyrinth.com/native-american-two-spirits/
http://www.dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org/twospirit.php
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/oct/11/two-spirit-people-north-america
An Outstanding TED TALK about gender variance:
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5295619?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063
Two Spirit: The Story of a Movement Unfolds – Native Peoples – May-June 2014 – Native Peoples
http://www.nativepeoples.com/Native-Peoples/May-June-2014/Two-Spirit-The-Story-of-a-Movement-Unfolds/#.U6noMPBpU60.facebook
Spirituality Without Borders: Reflections on Spiritual Practice 
Wow! Rita that is a beautiful poem! Very powerful!
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Why, thank you, Esther. It’s always good to share presence with you on these pages. I can hear Violet chanting and the drums beating. We must let her out.
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This post is achingly beautiful. This line chokes me up, ” I dedicate it to my dear friend Jim, the extroverted gay mystic, who gave this gift at the hardest of times to a church which could not receive it.”
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Thank you for visiting, Judie. Your presence here in such a heartfelt way affirms so much. Jim would be happy to know you were here. He died ten years ago, having lived his life with grace and aplomb.
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