Muxe: Gender from an Ancestral Perspective

Lukas Avendaño identifies as "muxeril" or muxe, a term that embodies a unique and complex social identity rooted in the Zapotec culture of Mexico. According to Avendaño, this identity refers to individuals born with male reproductive organs who embrace social, cultural, and sexual roles that challenge conventional ideas of masculinity. Muxerismos represent not just a gender identity but also a cultural practice distinct to Mexico. In this conference, Lukas will explore gender and sexual identity from multiple perspectives, engaging in dialogue with experts in the field. This event will serve as the closing ceremony for the German-Mexican co-chairmanship of the Equal Rights Coalition, which during the 2023-2024 period focused on advancing LGBTQ+ rights for people in Belgium and around the world. 

Lukas will be in conversation with Paula Rodríguez Sardiñas and the talk will be facilitated by Martin Zicari. Paula is an art historian, writer, and editor specializing in contemporary art practices, with a focus on artists from the so-called global minority. Her research explores the myth and meaning of atisthood, but also the often-overlooked ideologies, symbols, and power dynamics underlying cultural production. Rodríguez Sardiñas' work has been featured in rekto:verso, Etcetera, and Metropolis M, among other publications.