Canadian Author Identifies as 'Two-Spirit' After Previous Transitions

Rowan Jette Knox, a Canadian author who previously identified as a married straight woman and later as a transgender man, has announced a new self-identifier: "two-spirit."

Knox, who was formerly known as Amanda Knox, shared this latest evolution in identity on Threads in September, stating, "I finally felt ready to claim the two-spirit identity for myself." Knox, who is 50 years old, described this as a significant step and expressed a desire to reconnect with their Indigenous heritage.

"It’s a big step for me at 50 years old. I’ve been actively connecting with my lost culture (my Indigenous father left when I was a baby – intergenerational trauma played a big part), learning the stories, reading the history, and giving myself permission to belong," Knox wrote. "So hello, my name is Rowan, and I am trans and two-spirit."

The term "two-spirit" is used by Indigenous communities to describe individuals who possess both masculine and feminine spirits. Knox attributed a delay in connecting with their heritage to the effects of colonialism and intergenerational trauma.

Knox, a parent of four, announced they were two-spirit one year after undergoing a double mastectomy. This surgery followed their announcement of transitioning two years prior. In 2023, Knox stated on X, "I’ve known this is who I am for a long time, but I had to work up the courage to say it out loud." They described the process as involving introspection, therapy, and overcoming fear and denial.

Previously, Knox was married for approximately 30 years to a man named Mark, who also transitioned and became known as Zoe. Although they separated, they reportedly lived with their respective transgender partners. Knox now resides with someone named Dani.

Knox was recognized by Today's Parent magazine in 2020 as one of the Most Influential Parents. The author chose the name Rowan, noting that the rowan tree is recognized for its strength and protection in global folklore and legends.