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Ahkameyimok



I know barely anything about Canada.
I think I need to convince Steven and Debra to create a Canadian curriculum so I can do a crash course in Canuck culture and learn me some things. What I do know is while I was doing my internet reading, I came across the story of Anthony Johnson and James Makokis winning The Amazing Race Canada.

I did not know that The Amazing Race was still a think. Or that it has a Canadian version. Or that a gay indigenous couple had won it. So I dug in. And I found out that they are super cool people who are activists that aim to increase visibility both as two-spirit and as indigenous people. What's better than that?



I think we should be more aware of the two-spirit notion of not having specific gender roles imposed on ourselves. It would be more aligned with our abilities and personalities than what's between our legs or what other people receive us to be. Yes, I can build an Ikea bookcase without instructions because I'm very handy but I cannot lift a sofa and move it from one part of the house to the other. Does that makes me less of a man? Does that mean I'm the woman in the relationship? Does that disqualify me to get some dick on Grindr?



The notion of two-spirit in my opinion, does not conform with the binary notion that males do some things and females do other things. Or that some gay men are allowed to do some things and not others because that's 'femme'. The binary is a very Western (and white colonialist) notion and I think that indigenous people have the right idea when they decide to use this term (instead of using 'berdache') when referring to people who do not fit one of the two roles usually assigned to people. I also think that it should only be applied within a First Nations (or Native American) framework to make sense when describing people, like in this case, but theoretically it could be applied to all kinds of queer relationships.

So when I learned that Anthony and James had won the Race I was like 'right on!'. Apart from being a totally adorable couple (and I think that Anthony is very handsome, because I am here for any thirst trap). I  also think that the way they have presented themselves is very authentic: they bring to the forefront much needed representation. When was the last time you saw some Native American men being ogled on Instagram? That's right. I didn't think so. Remember, the greater the variety of men and LGBTQ or queer couples we see, the more we will be able to understand that one glove does not fit all.



Also, Anthony and James brought awareness towards the environment, towards life in the reservation, towards missing and murdered indigenous women and of course, toward LGBTQ issues with the clothes they wore and with the statements they have given the media. Even though when people told them to 'keep it in the race'. So kudos to them. They are planning on building a healing center in Alberta with the money they won and will probably do many other things. But apparently the first thing they are thinking about is to give back to their community. That is amazing. I'd be super interested in knowing about anything they have to say or do.

And remember, the personal IS political. We should always remember that.

XOXO




Comments

  1. What an inspiring couple. Thanks for highlighting them and their work. Far too often the media glosses over stories like this. Yes, they may be two-spirit, but that’s not their entire identity. They’re competitive, caring individuals who are ready and willing to help others in need.

    XOXO 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They’re are adorable and cool. And I love how they represent!

      XoXo

      Delete
  2. My Rare One and I watch the Amazing Race Canada faithfully every summer. We love it! And we love Anthony and James too -- so happy and thrilled that they won! They live in the Edmonton area here in Alberta, so they are "local heroes" as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OMG really? Maybe because I haven’t watched cable tv in years I didn’t even knew it was on!
      And the articles did mention they lived in Alberta. And I wanna go to Canadaaaaa!

      XoXo

      Delete
  3. I had just read something about them the other day. Thanks for giving me more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! I thought it was super interesting!
      One of them was in Out magazine. It’s great we’re seeing more diversity spotlighted.
      XoXo

      Delete
  4. Let's move to Steven's farm and do an in-depth internship on all things Canada, why don't we? There's so much to learn. No doubt we could contribute a little to pay our way. And now that winter's coming, no doubt we could make things cozy. You get my drift. ... I used to love the Amazing Grace. Race sounds like too much effort. Secretly, I had aspirations of being one of the runners, zipping from country to country, spending my allowance on gorgeous trinkets and knick-knacks to bring home. Not to mention having a sordid affair with the camera man following me around recording every thing I do. I digress ... Steven and Debra are way too cool. I adore them. Now, Steven, when does enrollment begin?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OMG can you imagine all of us living with Steven? We would drive him crazy (or make him a very happy boy, either way). Haha having a sordid affair with the cameraman sounds like he better part of that idea!

      XoXo

      Delete
  5. I didnt know Amazing Tace was still on either. But I did do Canada for a whole summer years and absolutely loved it . I loved Quebec and Montreal the best....great cultural centers and good nightlife.

    Does Steven have the room for us all, or at least have a California king size bed?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, many friends have told me that Canada is super beautiful (and that the people are friendly!). I think that Steven would need more than a King size bed if you and I get to him, Maddie....

      XoXo

      Delete
  6. I haven't watched tv since last February so I'm not aware of this couple. I think there has been another gay couple that won, maybe two. Being more open as a society there has been trans people, gay people, handicapped people etc on the show.
    As for looking up gay native men on line there is not a lot out there, often if you type gay native men you are directed to sites featuring black men.. huh? Finally, my ex had a fair amount of native American in him, at times when he would look at me in a certain way.. I felt my legs would melt out from under me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Funny that you mention it, but yes, Canadians do seem to be more civilized than Americans.
      And I’ve always wondered why is it that it’s so rare to find indigenous people in those dating apps. And now you’re gonna have to write about your ex! I’m intrigued!

      XoXo

      Delete
  7. Canada's cool, yeah. Brought us Justin Bieber, didn't it? :)

    Just kidding. Lots of love, babe!

    - Fit Studs

    ReplyDelete

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