Published in the June 2024 print and online edition of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, my article, “Una fiesta chula,” is a narrative of the resistance and unity that defines the muxe community, a third gender revered within Zapotec society in the small town of Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca.

As a Mexican creative based in New York City, I am particularly interested in where tradition intertwines with modern culture and travel. I write about themes of diversity, acceptance, and pride in heritage across Latin America and Hispanic culture.

This piece reflects the rich traditions of the muxe community and their annual vela (festival). I describe my experience at the festival, highlighting their expressions of gender, colorful parade (the regada de frutas), and the community’s religious and cultural practices, which stand out from regular Catholic norms. I aim to explain the resilience and pride of the muxe community, which is comparable to that of developed countries, yet thrives in a small town deep in the heart of Oaxaca. The article also addresses broader social implications, such as the fight against violence and the demand for respect for LGBTQ+ rights.