Two Spirits 2007
Distributed by Frameline, 145 Ninth St., Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94103; 415-703-8650
Produced by Ruth Fertig
Directed by Ruth Fertig
DVD, color, 22 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Gay and Lesbian Studies, Native American Studies, Two Spirited People
Date Entered: 07/31/2009
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgThe title Two Spirits refers to the ancient Native American traditions of revering those who exhibited roles in both male and female genders. History reports their existence in virtually all American Indian cultures. They acted as medicine men, wives to widowers, chiefs, visionaries and prophets, even warriors. European explorers and conquerors wrote of them, but at the same time were shocked at their cultural acceptance. Asserting their own European religious views and intolerance upon the New World, the natives themselves changed and Two Spirited natives soon were viewed as outcasts in their own communities. Even in contemporary times there appears to be a strong spiritual and psychic connection among transsexuals/transgendered. This documentary though is really more about Joey Criddle who identifies as Two Spirited. It is his personal journal, not unfamiliar to many gay men of his generation. He married, knowing he was gay, and fathered children that he left after coming out. He now lives in Denver where the city communities are more accepting. He returns to rural Mississippi to attend his grown son’s wedding, where he feels uncomfortable all around. His accent becomes thicker and thicker as the landscape becomes more wooded and he runs into Bubba. It seems he is still looking for the acceptance he never received in the Bible Belt. Back in Denver, he feels the love and acceptance from the varied Two Spirits groups who meet with his own. The documentary would be far more useful if it had focused more on the history of native Two Spirits rather than on Joey himself. Not recommended for purchase.