Issues of identity permeate the entirety of 2021’s Being Thunder. Native American identity merges with gender identity in this scintillating documentary.
The film focuses on Sherenté Harris, a teenager in Rhode Island. They belong to the Narragansett Tribal Nation, and their people refer to them as “two-spirit.” This is a tribal term referring to anyone who identifies as both masculine and feminine, or as between genders not just belonging to a single one. Harris’s journey and tribulations as “a two-spirit” make up most of filmmaker Stephanie Lamorre’s film.
Sherenté has a passion for dance and used to take part in ceremonial war dances like their father. As they transitioned, the dances changed into ones traditionally performed by women. Harris faces backlash as they take part, with some judges refusing to score their fancy shawl performances. Harris is caught between worlds as a two-spirit, trying to find a balance between both their indigenous identity and their gender identity as well.
Sherenté and their friends discuss the issues living a two-spirit life. The documentary features birthdays and other celebrations. Lamorre eschews traditional one-on-one interviews, letting the story flow in a more meaningful way. The LGBTQ documentary would work in academic libraries, on shelves for high school or college students studying indigenous cultures, as well as those fascinated by issues of gender and sexual identity.