Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms

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    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Mexico's indigenous "muxes" defy gender norms
    • Ivonne, a "muxe," as Zapotec indigenous men who dress and behave in ways associated with women are known, rides in a taxi to a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      Muxes, (pronounced MOO-shays) living in Mexico City gathered for the first time to share their traditions at a community party or "vela," as the event is called in their hometown Juchitan, a city of Zapotecs in the southern state of Oaxaca.

      Gay men, transvestites and transgender people are generally accepted in Juchitan and often work as home helpers, embroiderers, decorators, cooks and entertainers.

      Credit: Gabriela Sanchez/AP

    • Muxes gather for a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      It was a party to have fun but also an opportunity to reaffirm the muxes presence in the capital and celebrate their traditions from back home, said David Kelvin, who organized the vela.

      According to anthropological studies, some women in Juchitan encourage their sons' muxe leanings because they tend to stay home and care for their parents rather than get married.

      Credit: Eduardo Verdugo/AP

    • Ivonne, a muxe, right, greets another muxe with a kiss during a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      The contact between muxes and the gay community in Mexico City has led to the fusion of urban and indigenous cultures.

      It was "important to have this party to rescue our culture, to rescue who we are and show the rest of the people in this city how we live our sexuality, how we exercise our rights," said David Kelvin, who organized the vela.

      Credit: Gabriela Sanchez/AP

    • Muxes gather for a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      A cumbia band played while the singer invited audience members, who sat at tables packed with food and drinks, to dance.

      Credit: Eduardo Verdugo/AP

    • Ivonne, a muxe, applies eye makeup as she prepares for a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      Credit: Gabriela Sanchez/AP

    • A muxe, back to camera, dances with a man at a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      Credit: Eduardo Verdugo/AP

    • Muxes Yadira, left, Rubi, center, and Gema, prepare for a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      Credit: Eduardo Verdugo/AP

    • A muxe, center, dances at a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      Credit: Eduardo Verdugo/AP

    • A muxe, center right, embraces a man at a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      Credit: Eduardo Verdugo/AP

    • Thanya Mimosa, a muxe, prepares her outfit before attending a gathering of muxes in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      Most donned Tehuana dresses, popularized around the world by Mexican artist Friday Kahlo, and many wore traditional large gold earrings and necklaces and a "resplandor," a headdress made from a starched veil placed around the face that creates a type of halo.

      Credit: Gabriela Sanchez/AP

    • Thanya Mimosa, left, a muxe, prepares to attend a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      Credit: Gabriela Sanchez/AP

    • A muxe, center, poses for a photo at a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      Credit: Eduardo Verdugo/AP

    • Muxes pose for a photo at a party in Mexico City, June 29, 2013.

      "Muxes are a blessing from God because they look after you when you are sick more than a woman would," said Vicenta Toledo, who attended the party with her gay son. "They are a very important part of life."

      Credit: Eduardo Verdugo/AP