Being Thunder

Sherente, a two spirit-genderqueer teenager from Rhode Island’s Narragansett tribe performs traditional dance in competitions at annual regional pow wows of New England tribes. There is no written rule which prohibits two spirit-genderqueer people to compete in dances different from their birth gender. Wearing traditional female dress, Sherente performs with joy and beauty. However, behind the scenes, tribal leaders manipulate scores or disqualify him outright because they believe in traditional (White) gender roles. In spite of being blindsided by ongoing dishonesty and deception, Sherente continues to perform regardless of insensitive behavior from tribal elders and others in his native community. Sherente’s enduring courage and self respect are met with an outpouring of support from family, pow wow attendees, and fellow dancers.