Gay Native finds place in culture

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Harden Pruden never felt he fit in to his society. As a gay Aboriginal, he didn't fulfill any roles. In trying to find out more about himself though, Pruden discovered a Native history to which he would not only have fit into, but been welcomed.

He spoke to a full audience during the two-day Dreamcatchers Conference Nov. 12 and 13, held by Grant MacEwan Community College.

Pruden left home at 15 because he felt he wasn't wanted due to his differences.

He had always known he was gay. This though, he said, was not by choice.

"If I could choose to be straight I would. Why would I choose to be ostracized by my family, risk being threatened, beaten and harassed. Why would anyone in their right mind choose this?"

Pruden, now a university student, began to examine his Aboriginal roots, as well as how homosexuality was addressed historically in Native cultures. Surprisingly, Pruden learned that not only were gays and lesbians accepted in many Native societies, but they were an important part of the culture.

In some Native societies, gays and lesbians were treated as separate genders. In this case, the general system would include males, females, berdashe, and amazons. These four genders were seen as different, with difference duties to fulfill, yet equal in importance to the band. Male and female roles were obvious. Males were hunters and warriors and females were nurturers and gatherers. It was the berdashe and amazons that made the system so different from what it is today, said Pruden.

Berdashe were gay. They were treated as special in many tribes, for they had the attributes of both men and women. The belief that they could speak both of the sexes' languages put the berdashe into the position of mediator in marriage negotiations and divorce settlements. Shaman were often berdashe as well. It was thought that the berdashe had supernatural abilities and could speak to the spirit world.

The berdashe, wanted by the tribes, were cherished by their immediate families. Members of the tribe would often give berdashe gifts for their services. Anything he could no use went to his family, making them prosperous as well.

Women loved having berdashe around as they could take over some of the heavier duties that women had to perform. It listened every one's burden.

Without the commitments of having to support a wife or children, berdashe were often wealthier than those around them. If a child needed a home, a berdashe relative was often asked to take him in. Berdashe were often teachers for the band's young. They had the time to take on this duty and having no children of their own, they cherished those of others.

Pruden believes that this system came to an end when Europeans brought Christianity to Aboriginals. Today, said Prudent, Aboriginals are extremely homophobic.

"There is a surge of Native awareness on right now," said Pruden. "While finding out about Native traditions don't be selective in what you decide to accept. Remember everything, including the bardashe."