eSANE: The Impact of Historical and Intergenerational Trauma on the Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ Community

To help educate social workers, behavioral health providers, educators, foster-care providers, advocates, community members, and others on how to specifically understand and work with children, adults, and elders who may identify as Two-Spirit or Native LGBTQ

Trainer: Lenny Hayes, Tate Topa Consulting

The presenter will give an overview of information about the historical roles and identities of Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ people and how Native American Historical and Intergenerational Trauma has impacted this community. History tells us that because of the effects of Historical and Intergenerational Trauma this once honored and respected individual is now ostracized within our tribal communities. The presenter will present the high rates of violence and the vulnerabilities of our Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ adult, youth, and community. Ultimately, the Two-Spirit and Native LGBTQ community is individually and collectively trying to bring balance, beauty, and acceptance back into our tribal communities.

Lenny Hayes, MA, is a citizen of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the northeast corner of South Dakota. Lenny is also owner and operator of Tate Topa Consulting, LLC and is currently in private practice specializing in Marriage Family Therapy. He has extensive training in mental and chemical health issues that impact the Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ and Native community. Lenny has traveled nationally and locally training and presenting on the issues that impact both the Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ individual and community. These issues include the Impact of Historical and Intergenerational Trauma on this population, violence of all forms, child welfare issues, and the Impact of Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking on Men and Boys which is a topic that is rarely discussed. Lenny is the former Missing and Murdered Two-Spirit Project Assistant for Sovereign Bodies Institute. Lenny is also a 2020 graduate of the Human Trafficking Leadership Academy Cohort 5.

This training is hosted by CPCM under Grant No. 2019-MU-GX-K014, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations in this document are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.