Final answer:
Cross-gendered or third and fourth gender Indigenous people were integrated into traditional Indigenous cultures with respect. They often occupied important social and spiritual positions and were not limited by European binary gender norms. The imposition of Euro-American gender categories significantly impacted these practices but resurgence in interest has occurred with the LGBTQ movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cross-gendered or third and fourth gender Indigenous people were not constrained by Euro-American binary gender norms. Instead, Indigenous cultures often recognized and respected gender diversity, including fluid identities and roles. For instance, amongst the Indigenous societies of North America, there were persons who did not conform to the genders assigned at birth and adopted roles and identities which were either a mix of male and female characteristics or neither. Two-spirit is a term used by Native American LGBTQ communities to describe these traditional gender-variant roles. These individuals often held significant positions within their tribes, ranging from healers to warriors, and were sometimes even involved in tribal leadership or regarded as spiritually powerful.
With the advent of European colonization, however, Native Americans were pressured into assimilating to Euro-American gender categories. This resulted in a loss of traditional gender diversity and practices. Many Indigenous children were sent to assimilationist schools designed to eradicate Native culture including their more complex gender systems. Yet, the resurgence of the LGBTQ movement in America has led to a reexamination and revitalization of these Indigenous practices and beliefs around gender.