Arts & Entertainment
Vogue Mexico to use third-gender cover model for the first time
For the first time, a third-gender model has been used on the cover of Vogue Mexico.
It is believed to also be the first time in Vogue’s 120-year history that a “muxe” (pronounced MOO-she) model has appeared in one of their magazines. The term muxe is a Mexican identity for indigenous third-gender individuals, derived from the Spanish word for woman, mujer.
Muxes, particular to the Zapotec community of southern Mexico, have been considered a third gender in Mexican culture for centuries. Other cultures worldwide also acknowledge native third-gender individuals, in countries including Tahiti, India, and Samoa.
The cover, which will appear on the December edition of the magazine, features 37-year-old Zapoteca muxe, Estrella Vazquez. The photoshoot from which It is drawn was a collaboration between Vogue Mexico and British Vogue, with the images to be used in both magazines. Vogue Mexico will run two covers from the shoot on its December edition, and one will feature the image of Vazquez.
In a post on Instagram, Vogue México y Latinoamérica (@voguemexico) said:
“In a world in which labels seem essential, muxes appear as that figure that refuses to be typecast. The third gender has an important role in the Zapoteca history and becomes the living proof that ancestral magic still walks on this land.”
Vazquez, who is a designer and weaver, commented to Reuters that Vogue’s decision to include a third-gender model is a reflection the increasing awareness and acceptance of trans and gender non-conforming people in Mexico.
“I think it’s a huge step,” they said. “There’s still discrimination, but it’s not as much now and you don’t see it like you once did.”
LGBTQ people continue to face prejudice in many parts of Mexico, but there have been advances in trans rights within the last few years. In many states, trans people are now allowed to change the sex on their birth certificate and official documents by simple request to do so, without the requirement to undergo surgical procedures or obtain a doctor’s diagnosis.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
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