Breaking Gender Norms: The Southern Mexican Community That Defies the Binary.
The muxes of Juchitán, a community recognized as a third gender within the indigenous Zapotec people of Mexico, challenge the gender binary and embody characteristics of both men and women. Though often assigned male at birth, muxes tend to present in typically feminine ways through their behaviors, clothing, and occupations. While they enjoy a level of respect and acceptance in Zapotec society, muxes still face discrimination and violence. The muxes' struggle for recognition continues, but their integration into broader Zapotec society serves as a reminder that gender norms are socially constructed and can be challenged and transformed over time.