Celebrating Indigenous Queerness: A Latinx Heritage Month Highlight

Latin American history is rich with diverse expressions of gender and sexuality. Our Decolonizing Queerness exhibit sheds light on the indigenous roots of LGBTQ+ identities within Latin American cultures, particularly in South America and Mexico.

In the heart of the Andes Mountains, the Inca civilization (who called themselves Tawantinsuyu) recognized and celebrated gender diversity. The Incas had a particular understanding of the spectrum of gender that challenges binary notions many retroactively apply to the past. By exploring the Inca cultural practices, we can gain valuable insights into the historical roots of genderqueer identities and practices in Latin America.

In the Mexican state of Oaxaca, the Zapotec people have a long tradition of gender diversity. The muxes, a third gender, are often assigned male at birth but may identify and live as women. Muxes have played significant roles in Zapotec society, engaging in various occupations and cultural practices.

By renting these panels from our Decolonizing Queerness exhibit, you can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Latinx history and culture. This exhibit is a powerful tool for challenging colonial narratives and celebrating indigenous queer identities.