Two Spirits

Trailer (2:01)
Clip 1 (2:24)
Clip 2 (2:32)
Clip 3 (2:43)

  • About the Film

    Fred Martinez is pictured with a bob-style haircut and makeup, smiling softly into the camera.

    Fred Martinez was one of the youngest hate-crime victims in modern history when he was brutally murdered at 16. Two Spirits explores the life and death of a boy who was also a girl, and the essentially spiritual nature of gender.

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  • Map: Multi-Gender Traditions Worldwide

    In this 19th century black and white photo by Wilhelm von Gloeden, a young Italian boy — or “femmeniello” — is dressed in women’s clothing.

    On nearly every continent, and dating back through recorded time, cultures that recognize, celebrate, and revere multiple gender identities have thrived worldwide. From Siberia to Samoa, tour societies that acknowledge three, four, five or more genders.

    Explore the map >>

  • Video Extras

    Comanche/Kiowa two-spirit John Parker speaking at a gathering in the forest.

    Delve deeper into the history and context of the multifaceted gender traditions, stories, and movements underpinning Fred’s story.

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  • Roundtable Discussion

    LGBT Youth and Hate Crimes: The Experts Weigh In

    Our hour-long conversation inspired by Two Spirits featured panelists Shannon Minter (Prop. 8 opposition counsel); Candace Gingrich-Jones (Human Rights Campaign youth outreach); Cathy Renna (former GLAAD executive); and Richard LaFortune (artist and Two Spirit activist). Enlightening.

    Read the transcript >>

  • Guest Blog

    Judy Shepard: Children, Hate Crimes, and a Community of Grief and Progress

    Judy Shepard lost her son Matthew in 1998 in a horrific hate crime. She is now the president and co-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. She talks about meeting Fred’s mother just after the murder, and trying to prevent the media circus that followed Matthew’s death.

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  • Guest Blog

    Cathy Renna on the Legacy of Fred Martinez

    Cathy Renna, managing partner at Renna Communications and former organizer and spokesperson for GLAAD, is featured in the film Two Spirits. She talks about going to Cortez after Fred’s murder and thinking "Why do such terrible things happen to good and beautiful people?"

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  • Talkback

    Black-and-white photo of the transgender, former tennis pro Renee Richards. pro Renee Richards.

    Gender roles in Western society have generally been strictly binary — there are men and there are women, and what they are expected and permitted to do follows from the moment the doctor says "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!" Why is it so upsetting for some to consider that sometimes, maybe "It's neither!" or "It's both!" might also be true?

    Speak your mind >>