Muxes

In the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, in southern Mexico, and at the very heart of Zapotec culture, live the muxes, who are regarded as a third gender within society.

The muxes are integrated into the community’s social structure and perform socially recognised roles, both within the socio-cultural organisation and within the family. They carry out certain occupations that are vital for the reaffirmation of Zapotec ethnicity. There is a particularly permissive attitude towards effeminacy and cross-dressing in this part of the state of Oaxaca.

Some Zapotec mothers raise their sons in traditionally feminine roles when they see that their sons display effeminate behaviour. A muxe son provides financial and emotional support for the woman. They are raised to be hard-working and to care for their parents in their old age. They will never leave home to start a family and will always remain to look after their parents.

The status of muxes and the acceptance of this third gender are closely linked to the position of women within the family and society on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, as well as the role they play within it. The fact that they possess a certain degree of economic and social independence means that the influence of the female sphere legitimises the muxes and their place within society. However, the clash between tradition and the rapid modernisation permeating the society of the Isthmus is giving rise to marginalisation and violence, phenomena that were previously unknown.