Two Spirit People is a 1991 documentary by Michel Beauchemin, Lory Levy and Gretchen Vogel. This short documentary presents an overview of Native American concepts of gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation focusing on the berdache tradition in Native American culture. This is an individual who embodies both feminine and masculine qualities as well as acting as a conduit between the physical and spiritual plane. Traditionally they may even hold positions of power within the community. While the film is most likely slightly outdated it serves as an interesting glimpse into a culture that often is not spoken of (or thought of) within most discussions of the LGBT community that I have been a part of. However, admittedly, I am far from an expert. Regardless I found it fascinating and a glimpse into a different understanding of sexual roles outside of those that normative society demands we follow. If you enjoy this film I strongly suggest reading Two Spirits, One Purpose an article by Jessica Mayrer.
I found this film on the Vimeo page of Frameline Distribution, a group founded in San Francisco in 1981 as an educational distributor of LGBT related media. Although it has been running the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival since 1976, the oldest LGBT Film Festival in existence. Their website can be found here. Take the 20 minutes out of your day and learn something new, open your eyes, and most of all think outside of yourself. This is what Pride Month is about. As always the film is found after the break.
