A New Documentary Explores The Hidden History Of Gay Inuits

A hidden history is revealed.
From: NewNowNext

 A new film about homosexuality in the Inuit society shines a light on an often forgotten group of people.

The Inuits are indigenous tribes who come from the northern territories of Canada. The word “inuit” means “the people” in the Inuktitut language. It is commonly believed that homosexuality does not exist in Inuit society, or is a choice, but documentary filmmakers Mark Kenneth Woods and Michael Yerxa aim to prove this untrue in their documentary, Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things.

 The title for the film comes from the Inuit word for homosexuals. The word for lesbians translates to “two soft things rubbing against each other” and the word for gay men means “two hard things rubbing against each other.”

Back in 2014 a rainbow flag was flown outside of city hall in the town of Iqaluit, and it sparked a debate among the Inuit community about whether homosexuality was a traditional part of their society, and should be accepted.

Even though Pride picnics were held in Iqaluit from 2000 to 2006, and a larger Pride event was held in 2014, the subject of homosexuality is still taboo among the Inuit people.

Watch the trailer for the documentary below to learn more about a new generation who “are actively ’unshaming’ their past.”