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Originally released in October 2022, this re-released episode is a conversation with Clyde M. Hall which remains one of Wil's all-time favorite interviews on Queerly Beloved. Four years later, he's bringing it back to share the wisdom of a man he deeply admires and whose perspective on Indigenous traditions, Two-Spirit identity, and the spiritual gifts of queer people feels as meaningful as ever.

Clyde M. Hall is an enrolled member of the Shoshone-Métis tribe, an esteemed authority on Native American culture, tribal arts, and traditional ceremonies, and a pioneering figure in the contemporary Two-Spirit movement. He was recognized by OUT Magazine as one of its OUT 100 and later as one of the 1,000 most influential gay individuals of the 20th century. Through his lifelong dedication to preserving Indigenous knowledge and ceremonies, Clyde has helped carry forward traditions and perspectives that colonialism sought to erase.

In this fascinating, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious conversation, Clyde shares stories from his extraordinary life, including his involvement in the early Gay American Indians movement, the emergence of the term Two-Spirit, and his adventures bringing together gay Native Americans and gay cowboys at a rodeo. (Yes, really!)

Together, Wil and Clyde explore how Indigenous understandings of gender, sexuality, and spirituality challenge many of the limiting beliefs inherited from Western culture and organized religion.

In this episode, they explore:

• 🌈 The origins of the Two-Spirit movement: Clyde's firsthand experiences helping build a movement that celebrates the identities, traditions, and spiritual contributions of LGBTQ+ Indigenous people.
• 🪶 Honoring each person's spiritual vision: The importance of respecting the unique ways individuals experience and express their connection to Spirit.
• 💗 The sacred roles of gender-diverse people: How different Indigenous cultures have recognized people whose identities and gifts extend beyond conventional gender categories.
• 🔥 Colonialism, Christianity, and shame: How the introduction of Christian concepts of sin influenced Indigenous attitudes toward sexuality and spirituality.
• 🤠 Gay Indians meet gay cowboys: A delightful story about bringing seemingly different communities together through connection, celebration, and a gay rodeo.
• ✨ Awakening our spiritual potential: Clyde's inspiring belief that queer people are like sleeping spiritual giants, possessing extraordinary gifts and capacities waiting to be awakened.

Perhaps the most moving invitation from this conversation is to imagine what might become possible if queer people fully recognized and embraced their spiritual gifts. What wisdom, creativity, healing, and transformation might we bring into the world?

Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or revisiting it four years later, may it inspire you to honor your own spiritual vision and recognize the sacred gifts you carry.

Learn more about Clyde Hall:

Clyde Hall — LGBTQ Religious Archives Network

Connect with Wil and Queerly Beloved:

🌐 Website: https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilfish99/

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@willfullyliving4357

If this conversation moves you, please share it with someone who might benefit from hearing Clyde's wisdom. And don't forget to follow Queerly Beloved and leave a review to help more people discover the pod