Portland Two Spirit Society founder, Amanda Brings Plenty-Wright, was named a 2013 Queer Hero by Heroes NW, a collaboration between Q Center and the Gay & Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest (GLAPN). This statement was released recognizing Brings Plenty-Wright's work:

Homophobia is not native to the Americas – it arrived with European conquerors. Before that time, native cultures revered their LGBTQ people, calling them “Two Spirits” because they embodied both masculine and feminine energies. Two Spirit people were identified while very young, and prepared for special roles in society: ambassadors, teachers, healers, artists, war chiefs, keepers of the sacred.

Missionaries brought homophobia. Two Spirit people were killed because they were considered abominations, and the tradition was driven underground.

Amanda Brings Plenty-Wright (Klamath/Modoc) is the founder of the Portland Two-Spirit Society (PTSS). She is among native leaders nationally who are reviving the Two Spirit tradition. Amanda says although it was scary at first, overall she has found acceptance and respect while working against homophobia in the Native community.

PTSS was formed in May 2012 as a social group for Two Spirits, but has since taken on a cultural and educational role. The group recently joined forces with 2SY, the Two Spirit Youth group run by the Native American Rehabilitation Association, and is developing a youth curriculum and tool kit including coming out stories and cultural workshops. PTSS is available to speak to groups desiring more information about Two Spirit history and Two Spirit youth.

Brings Plenty-Wright accepted the recognition on June 13 at the Portland Q Center, with the recorded remarks below.