Muxeidad
Muxeidad is the term to refer to the cultural context and the state of being that defines a person's identity and experience within Zapotec society. The term originates from the region of Oaxaca in Mexico.
Gender Identity
In Zapotec culture, a gender identity recognized under the term "Muxeidad" is "Muxe", a third gender that is recognized within their culture with specific nuances that differ from a Western definition of "Nonbinary".
Social Role
Rather than an identity that is in opposition to the gender binary, Muxes occupy a distinct role within their society. Their society is matrifocal, and women have valuable roles. For instance, women control the economy, as many women are at once matriarchs, artisans, and merchants. Muxes participate in these feminine spheres of their society, such as artisan work and household maintenance etc. While men and women often leave their parents' household to get married, Muxes usually live in their parents' household to take care of their aging parents.
