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Draft:Sheldon Brings Plenty

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Sheldon Raymore
Sheldon Raymore, 2019
BornNovember 17, 1979
La Plant, South Dakota
DiedFebruary 13, 2025
NationalityAmerican, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Occupation(s)Artist, performer, activist
Years active2002–2023
Known forLGBTQ+ and Indigenous rights advocacy, artist, performer, cultural consultant
Notable work
  • Two-spirit* community work, HIV awareness, advocacy for LGBTQ+ Indigenous people
RelativesTrevino Brings Plenty (brother)

Sheldon Raymore, also known as Sheldon Brings Plenty, was a Lakota Sioux (Mnikȟówožu) artist, performer, and activist of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Born and raised in La Plant, South Dakota, he later moved to New York City, where he became deeply involved in the Two-spirit and LGBTQ+ community. His work spanned art, dance, advocacy, and performance, addressing critical issues facing Indigenous and queer communities. He was the brother of Trevino Brings Plenty, a poet and musician known for his contributions to Indigenous literature and storytelling.

Advocacy and Community Work

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Raymore was a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ and Two-spirit rights, focusing on decolonizing sexuality and promoting inclusivity within Indigenous traditions. He was actively involved in HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, seeking to reduce stigma and increase education in Indigenous communities. His work was featured in various platforms, including the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the American Indian Community House in New York. He collaborated with organizations such as the National Native HIV Network and the Indigenous Peoples Task Force to create educational initiatives that addressed health disparities among Native populations.

Raymore served as the Deputy Director of the American Indian Community House (AICH) and the Health Elders Network (HEN), working on initiatives that supported Indigenous health and well-being. His contributions align with broader discussions on decolonizing public health approaches, as explored in the paper A Case of Chronic Survivance: Decolonizing the Epidemiology of HIV by Ivan Bujan ([[1]]).

Artistic Contributions

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As a multidisciplinary artist, Raymore performed and exhibited at renowned institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His traditional Lakota Grass Dancing was a central aspect of his artistic expression, helping to preserve and promote Native culture. He also participated in the Largest Two-Spirit Powwow, bringing visibility to Two-Spirit identity and issues through performance and storytelling. His art and dance performances often incorporated elements of Indigenous futurism, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary themes.

Raymore collaborated with Grammy-nominated artist Jana Mashonee under his brand Urban Indian as the costume designer.[11]

Film and Media

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Raymore made appearances in television and film, with acting credits that included roles in The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. His presence in mainstream media contributed to the representation of Indigenous and Two-Spirit individuals. In addition to acting, he served as a cultural consultant for film and television projects, ensuring accurate and respectful portrayals of Native and Two-Spirit characters.

Television Roles

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  • Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015) – Actor (as Lakota Indian)
  • The Politician (2019) – Actor (as Native American Cultural Consultant)
  • The American West (2016) – Actor (as Sioux Warrior, Indian walking with a horse)

Public Speaking and Recognition

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In addition to his artistic endeavors, Raymore was a keynote speaker at numerous conferences and summits, including Creative Time’s SPEAKING TRUTH | SUMMIT X DAY 3. His work in advocating for Indigenous and LGBTQ+ rights earned him recognition as a leader in his community. He received awards from organizations such as the Native American AIDS Project and was honored for his contributions to Indigenous and LGBTQ+ activism. He was also a keynote speaker at Drexel University’s Fashion, Style & Queer Culture conference in 2021.[3]

Raymore was a First Peoples Fund Cultural Capital Fellow, recognized for his contributions as a storyteller, second-generation tipi maker, visual artist, choreographer, cultural consultant, and award-winning grass dancer. He was featured in ABC’s Born to Explore with Richard Weiss in the Legend of Dance episode, where he was the featured grass dancer at the National Museum of the American Indian. In 2015, he was awarded the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Community Arts Fund Grant for Performance Art.

Legacy and Impact

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Sheldon Raymore left behind a powerful legacy for Indigenous, Two-Spirit, and LGBTQ+ communities. Through his work in the arts, activism, and education, he contributed to the preservation of Native culture while advocating for social justice and equality. His efforts in HIV prevention, decolonization of sexuality, and Indigenous representation remain significant contributions to both Native and global LGBTQ+ movements. In his later years, he expanded his advocacy through digital media, using social platforms to educate and inspire the next generation of Two-Spirit leaders. His impact continues to be felt by those who knew him and by the many who were inspired by his life's work.

References

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