The third sex was recognized in ancient Mexican culture: Zapotecs and their traditions come to life in new Netflix series
Netflix is once again coming up with an international series that focuses on the LGBTQ+ community, this time with an emphasis on trans themes related to the indigenous Zapotec ethnicity , who have deep roots in Oaxaca, a state in southern Mexico known for its cultural and ethnic diversity.
In this region, many people identify as muxes, who are sometimes confused with trans women, but in reality are a third gender with their own identity, pronouns and often different sexual preferences.
Transition and the return to roots
Trinidad González, the representative of Sicarú, may not be a muxe, but she is at least close to them, having gone through a transition. Five years ago, she moved to Mexico City, where she began working as a model. Through an agency, she made her way to London, where she began her transition. In 2022, she returned to Mexico, where she was given the opportunity to portray a character in the series The Secret of the River, even though she had no acting experience. She accepted the role because the concept of the series reminded her of her native land in Chile, a conservative environment strongly influenced by Catholicism, where queer people face many difficulties.
History and gender diversity
The Zapotec culture is one example of an ancient civilization that recognized gender diversity. Muxes were respected as part of society, and their existence shows that the concept of gender in different civilizations was much more complex than we might think. This historical approach to gender is still relevant today, which makes the story of the series very timely.
While the Mux community is historically associated primarily with Oaxaca, similar concepts of a third gender have existed in other indigenous cultures around the world. Oaxaca, however, remains unique in that gender diversity has been a part of their society for centuries and is still a vibrant part of the local culture. Thus, in addition to a story about identity and friendship, Secrets of the River opens up a space for a deeper understanding of ancient cultural traditions and contemporary discussions about gender identity.
