Nelson Morales is a Mexican artist working with the Muxe community in Oaxaca.
Episode 81: Nelson Morales is an artist whose work and life are intertwined. His work examines the role of gender and community in Oaxaca, Mexico with a focus on his relationships with the Muxe community. He published an incredible book in 2018 with Ana Casas Broda’s Inframundo publishing house on the subject entitled Musas Muxe.
The Muxe community in Oaxaca is a community of biologically-born males, who behave socially as feminine as an adult. They are considered as a third or inter-gender. Some Muxe go on to have families and children with women where their gender is accepted and the traditional role of masculinity is therefore changed into a different context. The Muxe support their local community and are accepted by the local parishes and clergy. They reflect a strong and empowering role within.
Nelson has been documenting the Muxe community in Oaxaca for a number of years. He is accepted within their ranks and has joined the community on a personal level. His work and the book published by Inframundo are exceptional and I hope you will listen to his story.
This episode of Nearest Truth with Nelson Morales was also aired in France through Le Bal Books Le ondes ÉPHÉMÈRES on Duuu Radio. A very special thank you to Emilie Lauriola for the support!
