SEX IN NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES | SANKTOR

Sex in Native American Cultures was generally viewed with a respect for diversity and an acceptance of fluidity in sexual and gender roles, though beliefs and practices varied widely across different tribes. Many Native American societies held complex and often more inclusive views on sex, gender, and relationships, with concepts that didn’t always align with European colonial notions of morality or gender binaries.

1. Sexuality and Acceptance

 • Sexuality in many Native American cultures was seen as a natural, respected part of life, not stigmatized. Sexual behavior and relationships were typically viewed through the lens of respect, harmony, and balance. People were often encouraged to express their desires, as long as they did so with respect toward others.

 • In many tribes, premarital sexual relationships were accepted, and young people were often educated on sexual matters by elders or designated family members. However, expectations around sexuality could differ from tribe to tribe, with some cultures placing more emphasis on marital commitment than others.

2. Two-Spirit and Gender Fluidity

 • Many Native American tribes recognized and respected “Two-Spirit” individuals—people who embodied both masculine and feminine qualities. The term “Two-Spirit” is a relatively recent one, but similar roles existed historically, with different names across tribes, such as winkte among the Lakota or nadleehi among the Navajo.

 • Two-Spirit people often held unique roles in their communities, sometimes as healers, spiritual leaders, mediators, or matchmakers. Their sexual relationships were often outside conventional male-female pairings, which were generally accepted within their societies.

3. Marriage, Family, and Sexual Relationships

 • Marriage customs varied widely, with some tribes practicing monogamy, polygamy, or trial marriages. In some tribes, marriage was seen as more of a social partnership rather than a strict lifelong bond, allowing for divorce and remarriage. In other tribes, marital bonds were viewed as sacred and long-lasting.

 • The family structure was also flexible. Extended family and community often supported raising children, which helped facilitate community ties and interdependence.

4. Ceremonial and Spiritual Aspects of Sex

 • Sex and sexuality were sometimes woven into spiritual practices, ceremonies, and storytelling. Among the Pueblos, for instance, certain fertility rituals celebrated the union of masculine and feminine forces. For some tribes, such as the Hopi and the Zuni, specific spiritual rituals around sex, fertility, and life cycles were also common.

5. Impact of Colonization

 • European colonization disrupted Native American views on sex and gender, as colonizers often imposed restrictive norms around sexuality, marriage, and family. Many tribes faced pressure to conform to Western ideas, and Two-Spirit individuals, for example, faced stigmatization or forced assimilation.