Shaking the Leaves of Identity

Abstract

This article seeks to present a study of gender and sexuality based on an Indigenous and theologically interpreted understanding of ourselves, wonderfully made by God, who formed our inward parts and knit us together in our mother’s wombs. If we understand personhood in general and gender in particular to be a matter of lived experience rather than merely a matter of physicality, biology, and physiology, then our hearts and our spirits can be open to experiencing all people as Creator made them rather than through very limiting, merely mortal definitions. This article accesses the lived experience of Anglican Archdeacon Venerable Rosalyn Kantlaht’ant Elm, born of the Oneida Nation, Bear Clan, whose name Kantlaht’ant means “One who Shakes the Leaves,” and who is identified by the Haudenosaunee term laksá. The concept of the Resurrection Body from Pauline scripture and a traditional hermeneutical lens are used to affirm that all that Creator makes has been, is, and always shall be glorious.