“Sweetheart Dancers" is a story about Sean and Adrian, a Two-Spirit couple determined to rewrite the rules of Native American culture through their participation in the “Sweetheart Dance.” This celebratory contest is held at powwows across the country primarily for men and women couples, until now.

The film follows Sean Snyder and Adrian Stevens, a Ute and Navajo two-spirit couple determined to rewrite the rules of culture through their participation.

“Last year, they entered a sweetheart dance and were disqualified because they were a same sex couple,” said Dupris. “This set them on a journey to continue to advocate for two spirit voices on the dance floor. They have continued to dance the sweetheart dance this last year.”

Ultimately, a year later, the couple was able to return to compete in the same sweetheart special.

“Sean and Adrian returning to the dance floor and declaring themselves as a couple, in matching regalia, holding hands, signifies a symbolic coming out in Indian Country,” said Dupris. “Two-spirited people have always existed in tribal communities without judgement. It wasn’t until the boarding school era…. The discrimination was brought by the colonizing mentality. It’s almost a back to the blanket story of a young couple, standing strong in the face of discrimination, saying it’s not okay for us to be this way.”

The film is produced by Concordia Studios and Dupris’ Laughing Jackalope Films, a production company the tribal member started with two-time Emmy nominated documentary filmmaker and photographer Alex Goetz. Read more via Tribal Tribune