JUCHITAN, Mexico, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Members of southern Mexico's third-gender 'muxe' community celebrated sexual and gender diversity over the weekend, while committing to fighting for LGBTQ people in the face of recent losses.
"In the Zapotec language, there is no gender," said Felina Santiago, considered by many the matriarch of Juchitan's muxe community.
Before the festivities began, a special mass was held for festival attendees and other members of the local community.
This weekend's festival is called the "True Fearless Seekers of Danger" vela, a name that harkens to the risk many members of the community face.
Reporting by Jose Cortes in Juchitan; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Bill BerkrotOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Felina Santiago, Juchitan's, Oscar Cazorla, Ociel Baena, Mexico's, Elvis Guerra, Jose Cortes, Brendan O'Boyle, Bill Berkrot
Organizations:
vela, Thomson
Locations:
JUCHITAN, Mexico, Juchitan, Oaxaca, Aguascalientes