In a recent heated exchange at an event, far-right commentator Candace Owens stirred controversy by dismissing the historical existence of transgender individuals and denigrating Native American culture. The incident, captured on video and shared on social media, has drawn significant attention. Journalist Victoria Brownworth, who posted the clip on social media platform X, brought this interaction to light.
During the exchange, a young attendee challenged Owens’ anti-trans rhetoric by mentioning the existence of Native American “Two Spirit” people in historical records. Owens responded aggressively, labeling Native Americans as cannibals and drug users. Journalist Victoria Brownworth aptly described Owens’ comments as “shocking, racist, and vile.”
The Debate Unfolds
The discussion began with the audience member pointing out that many Native languages have terms for individuals who would now be considered LGBTQ or transgender. They questioned why Owens believed that transgender people only gained visibility recently due to media coverage. Owens retorted by citing her own high school experience, questioning the increase in transgender identification, and descending into a derogatory tirade equating the concept of “two-spirit” individuals with drug use and cannibalism among Native Americans.
Denial of Historical Evidence
Despite historical evidence shared by the audience member, Owens continued to deny the existence of transgender individuals in Native American cultures. She expressed disbelief when informed about the historical record of trans Native Americans, saying, “I don’t think that there were trans Native Americans.”
Two-Spirit Identity
The term “two-spirit” is an adjective used by some Indigenous and First Nations people to describe individuals who are not straight or cisgender. While many Indigenous communities have specific terms in their languages to describe these experiences, some do not, according to GLAAD.
Owens’ Ongoing Controversies
Candace Owens has faced previous controversies related to LGBTQ+ issues. In September, she was suspended from YouTube for making anti-LGBTQ+ statements on her podcast channel. Her suspension followed a strike issued by YouTube for violating its hate speech policy. Owens had made claims that linked homosexuality to molestation and derogatory remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, referring to LGBTQ+ identity as a “social contagion.”
Candace Owens’ recent remarks have ignited a debate on the intersection of transgender history and Native American culture, drawing attention to the need for accurate and respectful discourse on these important topics.
