Show Navigation
back to search results

Muxes

Angelo Martinez Linares, 24, during the annual party known as the Muxe Candle in Juchitán, Mexico.

In Juchitán in the southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico, the world is not divided simply into gay and straight, the locals make room for a third category, whom they call “muxes”.

Muxes are men who consider themselves women and live in a socially sanctioned netherworld between the two genders. “Muxe” is a Zapotec word derived from the Spanish “mujer” or woman; it is reserved for males who, from boyhood, have felt themselves drawn to living as a woman, anticipating roles set out for them by the community.

They are considered hard workers that will forever stay by their mothers side, taking care for their families operating as mothers without children of their own.

Not all muxes express they identities the same way. Some dress as women and take hormones to change their bodies. Others favor male clothes. What they share is that the community accepts them.

Add to Lightbox Download
Filename
Muxes_Rodrigo_Cruz_13.jpg
Copyright
Rodrigo Cruz for Neon Magazine
Image Size
5616x3744 / 18.1MB
Contained in galleries
Muxes
Angelo Martinez Linares, 24, during the annual party known as the Muxe Candle in Juchitán, Mexico.<br /> <br /> In Juchitán in the southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico, the world is not divided simply into gay and straight, the locals make room for a third category, whom they call “muxes”.<br /> <br /> Muxes are men who consider themselves women and live in a socially sanctioned netherworld between the two genders. “Muxe” is a Zapotec word derived from the Spanish “mujer” or woman; it is reserved for males who, from boyhood, have felt themselves drawn to living as a woman, anticipating roles set out for them by the community.<br /> <br /> They are considered hard workers that will forever stay by their mothers side, taking care for their families operating as mothers without children of their own.<br /> <br /> Not all muxes express they identities the same way. Some dress as women and take hormones to change their bodies. Others favor male clothes. What they share is that the community accepts them.
Info