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Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things

Name: Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things
Director: Mark Kenneth Woods, Michael Yerxa
Released: 2016
Duration: 71 min

Representation Score

7.1/10

Good

2016

Director

Mark Kenneth Woods, Michael Yerxa

Runtime

71 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things is a profound exercise in storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity. It moves beyond simple inclusion by using the Inuit language to challenge colonial myths regarding sexuality and tradition. The film successfully reclaims historical truths that have been obscured by assumptions about straight relationships. By centering the narrative on the linguistic and social realities of LGBTQ+ Inuit individuals, the filmmakers disrupt conventional expectations of both indigenous and queer representation. Ultimately, the work functions as a powerful deconstruction of the traditional social order, replacing it with a culturally specific understanding of identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals within Inuit culture. It validates these identities using the Inuktitut language, showing that they are part of historical realities rather than modern choices.

How does Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things portray gender?

Good

The documentary disrupts traditional hierarchies by exploring gender expression through specific Inuktitut terms. It moves beyond Western binaries to offer a nuanced view of intimacy and identity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things?

Excellent

The narrative provides a significant role in driving the story to the Inuit people, centering indigenous voices. It highlights how colonial narratives have historically erased the complexities of indigenous social structures.

How does Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film challenges Western-centric morality by presenting indigenous concepts of sexuality. It critiques the colonial imposition of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender as a systemic byproduct of Western influence.

Does Two Soft Things, Two Hard Things include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no explicit evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Uses indigenous linguistic frameworks to validate non-straight-centered identities.
Centers indigenous ability to act and voices rather than treating them as mere subjects.
Effectively challenges colonial myths regarding the history of Inuit sexuality.

Limited or Absent

Provides no explicit evidence or representation regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

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.”

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