In his photographic series Musas Muxe, Nelson Morales delves into gender identity through highly stylized and theatrical imagery captured in his native community in Oaxaca, southern Mexico. In the town of Juchitán de Zaragoza, the local Zapotec people have long accepted—and celebrated—gender nonconformity. The Zapotec, an ancient civilization, did not adhere to the traditional binary gender system. The muxes (pronounced MOO-shays) are broadly considered a third gender, consisting of individuals who were born male but define themselves as women. For a Zapotec family, having a muxe at home is considered a blessing.

Morales describes his process of working with the muxes as one of genuine engagement, involving visits to their homes, participation in their celebrations, and an immersion into their daily lives. During this cultural exploration, Morales developed a deep, personal relationship with the muxe community, which transformed his work into a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Through this intimate exposure to the vibrant and authentic lives of the muxes, Morales not only shares their story with the world but also embraces his own identity as a muxe, celebrating his pride and freedom in who he is and where he comes from.  

Nelson Morales (Unión Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Mexico, 1982) is a photographer who divides his time between Mexico City and his hometown of Unión Hidalgo, Oaxaca. He studied Communication Sciences at the José Vasconcelos University of Oaxaca (UJVO) and has completed several workshops at prestigious institutions like Mexico City’s Centro de la Imagen and Hydra + Fotografía, among others. Morales' work primarily focuses on sexual diversity and identity. His photography has been exhibited across Latin America, the United States, Europe, and various countries in Asia.