On the sun-baked Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico lies of the town of Juchitán, whose population of indigenous Zapotecs have for centuries warded off numerous invasions to preserve their identity. Today, Juchitan has an additional, more notorious identity, as a “queer paradise” famous for its Muxes (pronounced “mossshays”), effeminate homosexual men whose socially defined role within the Zapotec culture pre-dates the advent of gay liberation.
The Muxes of Juchitán are proud of their identity, enjoy their lives, laugh at themselves as well as at “straight” society, and admit their own foibles freely. They call themselves “Authentic, Intrepid Seekers of Danger,” and have banded together to lead the fight against AIDS in Oaxaca. They talk frankly about their experiences of acceptance and rejection, and their successes in finding freedom, love and delight in their special identity.
The Muxes of Juchitán are proud of their identity, enjoy their lives, laugh at themselves as well as at “straight” society and admit their own foibles freely. They call themselves “Authentic, Intrepid Seekers of Danger” and have banded together to lead the fight against AIDS in Oaxaca. They talk frankly about their experiences of acceptance and rejection, and their successes in finding freedom, love and delight in their special identity.
Directed by Alejandra Islas
105 min.
2005
Color
More About MUXES.
