Adrian Matthias Stevens and Sean Querino Snyder, a dynamic Two-Spirit couple, have emerged as powerful voices and role models within Indigenous communities and the broader LGBTQ+ movement. Their journey, marked by resilience, love, and cultural pride, has been chronicled in various publications and documentaries, including:
Vogue: A profile highlighting their groundbreaking participation in the Sweetheart Dance and their journey as a Two-Spirit couple.
People Magazine: A feature showcasing their love story and their impact on Indigenous culture.
Indian Country Today: Articles discussing their activism, cultural contributions, and the challenges they face as Two-Spirit individuals.
Out Magazine: A photoshoot and interview celebrating their identity and their role in the LGBTQ+ community.
PBS Documentary: A film documenting their lives, their love, and their fight for acceptance within Indigenous culture.
Speaking Engagements:
Adrian and Sean are sought-after speakers who have shared their story and insights at various events, including:
Human Rights Campaign: A keynote address on Two-Spirit identity and Indigenous rights.
Numerous universities and colleges: Lectures and workshops on topics such as Indigenous culture, LGBTQ+ issues, and social justice.
Powwows and cultural events: Sharing their experiences and promoting Two-Spirit visibility.
Central to their story is their participation in the traditional Sweetheart Dance, a competitive event within powwow culture. By challenging societal norms and expectations, they have paved the way for increased visibility and acceptance of Two-Spirit identities. Their courageous decision to compete as a same-sex couple not only shattered stereotypes but also ignited a broader conversation about inclusivity and diversity within Indigenous communities.
Beyond their groundbreaking dance performances, Stevens and Snyder are dedicated activists and artists. They use their platform to raise awareness about issues affecting Indigenous peoples, such as environmental justice, sovereignty, and cultural preservation. Their stunning beadwork and artistic expressions further amplify their message and connect them to their ancestral heritage.
The couple's journey has been documented in the powerful film "Sweetheart Dancers," which has garnered critical acclaim and sparked important discussions about identity, love, and tradition. By sharing their personal story, they have inspired countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves and challenge the status quo.
Adrian Stevens and Sean Snyder are more than just dancers; they are leaders, visionaries, and symbols of hope. Their unwavering commitment to their culture, community, and love for one another has made a lasting impact on the world. As they continue to break barriers and redefine what it means to be Two-Spirit, their legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to live authentically and embrace their true selves.
“Adrian Stevens and Sean Snyder have been dancing at powwows since they could walk. "Powwow has always kept my culture relevant in my day-to-day life," says Stevens, who hails from Fort Duchesne and is of the Northern Ute, Shoshone Bannock and San Carlos Apache tribes. "It's always brought my family close together and it's something I was raised doing."
Spending much of their time on the road, the Two Spirit couple met on the powwow circuit eight years ago, and their participation in "Sweetheart Specials"—dances meant specifically for couples and where two-spirit pairs are not commonly seen or even forbidden from participating—has propelled them to become activists for the two-spirit and LGBTQ communities. Although Stevens and Snyder, who grew up from Iowa, and is of the Navajo and Southern Ute tribes, won first place at the University of Utah Sweethearts Special in April, they were disqualified from the San Manuel Band of Indians powwow in California in October 2017 simply for identifying as LGBTQ. In years past, they say, that powwow banned same-sex couples from dancing together, but in 2017, that specific rule was not present on any of the powwow advertising materials, so Snyder and Stevens decided to go for it. They practiced their routine for a month and a half and handmade regalia based on their Ute traditions, but when they arrived at the registration area, the Sweethearts rules stated that all pairs must consist of a man and a woman.” -SLC Weekly Pride Issue
Adrian Matthias Stevens
Photo by Ceylon Grey Imagery
Sean Q. Snyder
Photo by Ceylon Grey Imagery