Question

In what way are muxes in Oaxaca accepted by society?

Answer 1

From the trenches, we have gained spaces that nowhere else have been won. This has made our culture tolerant to our identity," says Biiniza Carillo, a muxe. "The Zapotecs have a fighter culture. The man has a voice, the woman has a voice and the muxe has also earned a voice to reclaim spaces. We are fighters for our body, our space, our house," she says.

The muxes even have a defined social and economic role within the Zapotec society. Most take on traditionally feminine tasks, such as embroidery or craftsmanship, through which they preserve their culture. "The jobs we perform, from the time of our ancestors, have been only for muxes. We are cooks, embroiderers, weavers, ornaments makers and makeup artists. These are the five traditional trades of muxes," says Biiniza.