Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
Mexico is a country rich in cultural traditions and deep indigenous roots, but one of the most fascinating and complex aspects of its cultural heritage lies within the Zapotec community of Juchitán, Oaxaca. Here, the concept of gender is not confined to the traditional binary categories of "man" and "woman." Instead, there exists a third gender, known as muxes (pronounced "mooshez"). These individuals are born male, but are raised as women, adopting the social roles and responsibilities of women within their community. The phenomenon of the muxe challenges conventional understandings of gender, highlighting the fluidity and diversity of gender identities in different cultural contexts.
In 2012, filmmaker Bernardo Loyola released his documentary "Mexico's Third Gender," which delves into the lives of muxes in Juchitán, offering an intimate and eye-opening portrait of this unique community. The film takes us on a journey to this remote town in southern Mexico, where the celebration of the Vigil of the Authentic Intrepid Searchers of Danger (La Vela de las Auténticas Intrépidas Buscadoras de Peligro) becomes a central event for the muxes. This documentary not only introduces us to the people of Juchitán, but also invites us to participate in one of the most joyful, inclusive, and liberating celebrations in the region, the Vela, which is the highlight of the year for muxes.
To understand the significance of the muxes in Zapotec society, we must first look at the region of Juchitán itself. Juchitán is located in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a region known for its strong matrilineal traditions, where women have long held economic and social power. In this community, gender roles are not strictly dichotomous, as they tend to be in many Western societies. The Zapotec culture recognizes the existence of more than two genders, with muxes occupying a unique space in the social fabric of Juchitán.
Historically, muxes have been understood as individuals who are born male but take on the social roles of women. While they are biologically male, muxes are allowed and even encouraged to express themselves as women. They are integrated into female social networks, adopt feminine dress, and often perform tasks traditionally assigned to women in this community. This fluidity in gender expression is not seen as deviant or abnormal; rather, it is a natural and accepted part of life in Juchitán. In fact, muxes are considered a vital part of the social, cultural, and religious life in the town.
Importantly, the presence of muxes challenges Western conceptions of gender as a strict binary. In Juchitán, gender is viewed as a spectrum, and individuals who do not fit neatly into the categories of "man" or "woman" are not marginalized but celebrated. Muxes are understood as a third gender—neither entirely male nor female but embodying aspects of both. This third gender role is deeply embedded in Zapotec cosmology, where the idea of gender fluidity is tied to notions of balance and harmony in the community.
One of the most important events for muxes in Juchitán is the Vigil of the Authentic Intrepid Searchers of Danger (La Vela de las Auténticas Intrépidas Buscadoras de Peligro), which takes place every November. This celebration is the culmination of a year’s worth of preparation and serves as both a tribute to the muxes and an opportunity for them to assert their identity and their place within the community.
The Vela is a festive and vibrant event that combines elements of traditional Zapotec culture with a contemporary celebration of queer identity. During the Vela, the muxes come together to honor their culture, their history, and their role in the social structure of Juchitán. The festival is marked by music, dance, elaborate costumes, and performances, with the highlight being the crowning of a muxe queen. This queen is selected from among the muxes and is chosen not only for her appearance but for her social and cultural contributions to the community.
The Vela is more than just a celebration; it is a powerful statement of the freedom of expression and acceptance of gender diversity. The muxes who participate in the event are not only celebrating their own identities but also sending a message to the broader world that gender is not something to be confined to a binary but is something to be celebrated in all its complexity. The event is a moment of visibility and pride for the muxes, a chance to be recognized and acknowledged in a way that goes beyond the narrow definitions of gender seen in many other parts of the world.
Bernardo Loyola’s 2012 documentary Mexico's Third Gender provides a compelling and empathetic portrayal of this unique aspect of Zapotec culture. Through the lens of the Vela, Loyola introduces the viewer to the muxes of Juchitán, capturing both the joy and complexity of their lives. The documentary takes us behind the scenes of the Vela, showcasing not only the celebrations and performances but also the personal stories of the muxes who are involved. These stories provide a deep, humanizing insight into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
The film is notable for its focus on the lived realities of the muxes, rather than simply treating them as anthropological subjects. Loyola takes care to highlight the diverse personalities and backgrounds of the muxes, allowing them to tell their own stories. In doing so, the documentary emphasizes the agency of these individuals, showing that they are not simply passive recipients of cultural tradition but active participants in shaping the ongoing narrative of their community.
At the heart of the film is the exploration of identity—both personal and collective. Loyola’s documentary does not present a simplistic or one-dimensional view of gender in Juchitán but instead highlights the complexities and nuances of the muxe experience. It also challenges viewers to think critically about how gender is constructed and understood in different cultures, and how it can be a source of empowerment rather than limitation.
The Vela and the role of the muxes in Juchitán serve as a powerful reminder of the diversity of gender experiences that exist outside of the Western world. In a time when many societies are beginning to have more open conversations about gender identity, the muxes of Juchitán offer an important example of a culture that has long recognized the existence of non-binary genders. Their celebration at the Vela, with its inclusivity, joy, and pride, stands in stark contrast to the often rigid and exclusionary gender norms that exist in other parts of the world.
In recent years, the visibility of muxes has increased, with greater recognition from both within and outside the community. This growing awareness is not without its challenges, as muxes continue to navigate both traditional expectations and modern pressures. However, the continued existence of this third gender in Juchitán, and the ongoing celebration of their identity through events like the Vela, shows that there is a strong cultural foundation of acceptance and respect for gender diversity in the region.
Loyola’s documentary contributes significantly to this ongoing dialogue, offering viewers around the world a chance to see gender in a new light. By focusing on the muxes of Juchitán, Loyola invites us to reconsider our own assumptions about gender and to embrace the possibility of a more inclusive and fluid understanding of identity.
Mexico's Third Gender (2012) by Bernardo Loyola is an insightful and powerful documentary that explores the lives of muxes in Juchitán, Oaxaca, and sheds light on the rich cultural traditions of the Zapotec people. Through the lens of the Vela, Loyola offers a window into a community that has long recognized and celebrated the existence of a third gender. The film challenges conventional notions of gender and identity, urging viewers to think critically about the ways in which gender is constructed and performed across different cultures. Ultimately, the documentary serves as a tribute to the muxes of Juchitán, celebrating their resilience, their joy, and their central role in the cultural and social life of this vibrant community.
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