Vela in Juchitan

Juchitan, Mexico: Transvestite beauty queens pose back stage at a "vela," or party, held by the muxe group "Authenic Inrepid Seekers of Dangers" (or Las Intrepidas) in Juchtan, Mexico. Yajaira Palacios (Brandon Jimenez) sparkles in a foot high crown, purple lipstick and eye shadow to match her dress and nails. Muxes are very common, and accepted, in this Southern Oaxacan region, which claims to not discriminate against gays. The matriarchal society is still driven by women but in flux in the machismo culture of Mexico. Nov. 22, 2008.(photo: Ann Summa).

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Filename: Yajaira.jpg
Copyright: © Ann Summa
Image Size: 4080x4426 / 10.0MB; vela festival party fiesta juchitan Mexico transvestite muxe culture homosexual homophobe homosexuality gay equality women women's rights matriarch travel love pride fear discrimination dance baila
Contained in galleries: Muxe, the Third Sex

Juchitan, Mexico: Transvestite beauty queens pose back stage at a "vela," or party, held by the muxe group "Authenic Inrepid Seekers of Dangers" (or Las Intrepidas) in Juchtan, Mexico. Yajaira Palacios (Brandon Jimenez) sparkles in a foot high crown, purple lipstick and eye shadow to match her dress and nails. Muxes are very common, and accepted, in this Southern Oaxacan region, which claims to not discriminate against gays. The matriarchal society is still driven by women but in flux in the machismo culture of Mexico. Nov. 22, 2008.(photo: Ann Summa).