Berdaches
Long before white people appeared on their lands, many American Indian cultures fully accepted gay men, lesbians, and bi-sexuals into their communities. This role often gave them an elevated status, including that of "Shaman" or spiritual healer.
The term "Berdache" was a derogatory and misleading term given to certain American Indians by invading European soldiers. "Berdaches" were thought to be gay and lesbian members of an Indian tribe. When the white people came and began to mock and persecute those they called "Berdaches," many American Indian communities felt pressured to suppress this aspect of their culture. Thus, today, like many American Indian customs and beliefs, little can be seen of this once strong community role.
For more information about this topic, see Judy Grahn's book Another Mother Tongue.
1900 - 1949 | 1950 - 1964 | 1965 - 1980 | 1981 - 1984 | 1985 - 1989 | 1990 - 1996 | 1997 - 2000
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