The concept of “twoness” was introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois in his book “The Souls of Black Folk.” He described the experience of African Americans living with a dual identity, feeling both American and black, and the challenges that come with navigating these identities in a society that often sees them as contradictory or problematic.

Negotiating “twoness” involves reconciling different aspects of one’s identity and finding a balance between cultural, racial, or social expectations. It can involve code-switching, which is adapting one’s behavior or language depending on the context, and managing the tensions that arise from being part of multiple communities.

In various spaces and situations, individuals may feel a sense of “twoness” when they are confronted with stereotypes, prejudices, or discrimination. This can lead to a feeling of being seen as a problem or being misunderstood.

It’s important to note that the experience of negotiating “twoness” is subjective and can vary greatly among individuals based on their personal circumstances, cultural background, and social context.

One for me was being a Hispanic LGBTQ person in my family, finding balance in society and at home.