06 Jun 20 Mexican LGBTQ+ Icons

20 Mexican LGBTQ+ Icons

The telling of “Western” history as we know it has widely been controlled by white cis men, which has made it difficult to learn about our queer ancestors who have actually shaped history itself. I only recently heard of the name Wendy Carlos, for example, which belongs to a trans woman who was the first trans person to win a grammy, and the composer of the soundtracks of movies like A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, and Tron. Mexico’s queer culture is rich and long-standing. Frida Kahlo herself was a bisexual icon, as she openly depicted her sexuality in her art. The queer history of Mexico has filled books, and there are far too many Mexican LGBTQ+ icons we could talk about. For brevity’s sake, however, we’ve highlighted 20 queer icons we think you would like to know about.

  

“L” 

1. Nahui Olin (1893-1978) – Meet the babe who shook up the art world with her unconventional beauty and boundary-breaking lifestyle: Nahui Olin. This Mexican artist, writer, and socialite was the ultimate muse of the 1920s and 1930s, inspiring many of the era’s most prominent creatives. With her openly dating women and artistic genius, Olin defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations of artists and feminists.

2. Pita Amor (1918-2000) – Mexican poet and writer who was known for her flamboyant personality and her openly lesbian relationships. She was a prominent figure in the literary scene of Mexico City in the mid-20th century and is remembered for her powerful and sensual poetry.

3. Jesusa Rodriguez (1955)  – Writer, actress, and activist born in Mexico City. Throughout her career, she has been a fierce advocate for social justice, feminism, and Indigenous rights, and has used her artistic talents to shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities. Rodriguez has written numerous plays, essays, and novels, and has performed in theater, film, and television. She has received wide recognition for her work making her a force to be reckoned with.

4. Nancy Cárdenas (1945-1994) – Fierce feminist and LGBTQ+ activist. Back in the 70s, she co-founded the first-ever lesbian feminist group in the country, and spoke up for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights for over five decades. This queen wore many hats – not only was she a champion for the cause, but she was also a journalist and author, spreading her message through her writing.

“G” 

5. Salvador Novo (1904 -1974) – Writer, poet, and playwright, this guy was a total character.  All-around eccentric who was known for his flamboyant fashion sense,  love of art and literature, and sharp wit. He was openly gay at a time when that was really difficult, but he didn’t let anyone dull his sparkle – he continued to push boundaries and challenge norms, both in his personal life and his writing, which was strongly influenced by the surrealist movement.
   
   
6. Carlos Monsiváis (1938 -2010) – Writer, journalist, and political commentator, Monsiváis was a cultural giant  in Mexico who left an indelible mark on the country’s intellectual landscape. Known for his wit, humor, and encyclopedic knowledge of Mexican culture, Monsiváis was a prolific writer, essayist, and cultural commentator. He was a champion of the marginalized and a tireless advocate for social justice, using his platform to speak out against corruption, discrimination, and inequality.
   
   
7. Sebastián Ligarde(1951) – He has had a successful career in the entertainment industry and has appeared in numerous telenovelas, films, and TV series. However, it was not until 2013 that he came out as gay. As an actor, he has played a wide range of roles, from the dashing leading man to the conniving villain. Despite facing some backlash for coming out as gay, he continues to be a beloved figure in Mexican entertainment, inspiring many with his courage and authenticity.
   
   

8. David Zepeda (1973) –  Actor, singer, heartthrob. Zepeda was born in Nogales, Sonora and began his career as a model before moving on to acting in telenovelas. He has appeared in several popular telenovelas, including “Sortilegio,” “La Fuerza del Destino,” and “Abismo de Pasión,” and has also released several albums as a singer. 

“B”

9. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651 – 1695) – Known as the “Phoenix of Mexico,” Sor Juana was a brilliant writer, poet, and philosopher who defied societal norms and challenged the patriarchal system of her era. Her writings, which explored themes of love, knowledge, and women’s rights, were both profound and controversial, earning her both admirers and detractors.
   
   
   
   
10. Xavier Villaurrutia (1903 – 1950): Celebrated poet and playwright known for his surreal and haunting imagery. He was a key figure in the development of modernist literature in Mexico, which sought to push boundaries in the arts. Villaurrutia was also a man of style and sophistication, often seen at social events where he charmed guests with his wit and impeccable fashion sense. He was also openly bisexual.
    
    
11. Christian Chávez (1983) – Born in Tijuana,  Chavez was a child actor who got his big break in the teen hit telenovela “Rebelde”. The TV series spawned the creation of musical band RBD of which he was the lead singer. In 2007 he came out as gay, and has since been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Mexico and around the world.

12. Snow Tha Product (1987) – Mexican-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and all around baddie from San Jose, California. Snow is known for her fast-paced, bilingual rapping style and has been featured in various collaborations. She has also been vocal about her experiences as a Mexican-American woman in the music industry and has used her platform to address social and political issues as well as talk about just how much she loves women.

“T” 

13. Amelio Robles Avila (1909 -1984) – Revolutionary and one of the first openly transgender men in Mexico. Amelio initially was an absolute legend who served as a member of the revolutionary army of Emiliano Zapata during the Mexican Revolution. He later joined the Mexican Communist Party and fought in the Spanish Civil War. In the 1950s, Amelio underwent gender confirmation surgery in Denmark, becoming one of the first documented transgender men in Mexico. He continued his activism for workers’ and women’s rights, eventually retiring from the Mexican government’s labor department.
    
    
14. Jennicet Gutiérrez (1986) – Ferocious activist and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, this Mexicana activist made headlines when she interrupted President Obama’s White House Pride reception, demanding that he release all LGBTQ+ immigrants from detention centers. Although some criticized her for being disrespectful, Jennicet’s bravery and dedication to her community inspired many. Today, she continues to fight for the rights of marginalized communities, reminding us all that the fight for justice is far from over.
    
    
15. Patricio Manuel (1985) – Mexican-American boxer who made history as the first transgender man to compete in a professional boxing match in the United States. After coming out as transgender in 2013, Manuel faced numerous obstacles and discrimination in the boxing world, but continued to dominate the ring and his life. In 2018, he won his first professional fight, making history and inspiring others in the LGBTQ+ community. Manuel has since become an advocate for transgender athletes and has worked to promote greater inclusion and understanding of gender diversity in sports.
    
    
16. Bamby Salcedo (1978) –  Trans activist born in Guadalajara. Her tireless efforts in advocating for trans rights have led to the creation of numerous organizations, including the TransLatin@ Coalition, which provides support and resources to trans Latinx individuals. In 2016, Bamby was also invited by the Obama administration to the White House United State of Women Summit to speak.  In addition to her activism, Bamby has also worked as a consultant for the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the city’s Department of Public Health, where she focuses on improving access to health care for trans people.

Q +

17. Valentina – This queen sashayed her way into our hearts on season nine of RuPaul’s Drag Race and never looked back. She has headlined at the Apollo theater in New York City, been featured in Vogue, among other high profile magazines, and has worked with designer Moschino…just to name a few things of the long list of once-in-a-lifetime achievements. 

18. Amaranta Gómez Regalado (1977) – Renowned muxe activist and performer from the city of Juchitán in Oaxaca, Mexico. She has been a strong advocate for the rights of the muxes, a third gender recognized in the Zapotec culture. Gómez Regalado has used her platform as a performer to raise awareness about the unique identity and cultural significance of the muxes and has been recognized for her contributions to the promotion of human rights and social justice in Mexico.
    
    
19. Tito Vasconcelos (1950) – Born in Oaxaca, this actor, writer, and director has not only left his mark in the world of film and television, but has also been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. With over four decades of experience in the industry, Tito has worked on a number of acclaimed films, such as “El Topo” and “The Holy Mountain”, and has directed and acted in many popular Mexican television shows. Additionally, he has been recognized for his activism and advocacy work, using his platform to raise awareness about issues faced by the queer community.
    
    
20. Barbara Sanchez-Kane (1988) – Bad-ass fashion designer and artist extraordinaire known for her gender-bending and avant-garde designs. Born in Mexico City, Sanchez-Kane studied fashion design and later founded her own fashion brand. Her designs often incorporate gender non-conforming elements and challenge traditional gender norms. Sanchez-Kane has also been involved in various art and performance projects, including creating costumes for theater productions and collaborating with musicians.

And that’s our short list! Hopefully this inspires you to look more into their lives or those of other LGBTQ+ Mexican icons so we can celebrate their names and add new horizons to our perspe

20 Mexican LGBTQ+ Icons

The telling of “Western” history as we know it has widely been controlled by white cis men, which has made it difficult to learn about our queer ancestors who have actually shaped history itself. I only recently heard of the name Wendy Carlos, for example, which belongs to a trans woman who was the first trans person to win a grammy, and the composer of the soundtracks of movies like A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, and Tron. Mexico’s queer culture is rich and long-standing. Frida Kahlo herself was a bisexual icon, as she openly depicted her sexuality in her art. The queer history of Mexico has filled books, and there are far too many Mexican LGBTQ+ icons we could talk about. For brevity’s sake, however, we’ve highlighted 20 queer icons we think you would like to know about.  

“L” 

1.  Nahui Olin (1893-1978) – Meet the babe who shook up the art world with her unconventional beauty and boundary-breaking lifestyle: Nahui Olin. This Mexican artist, writer, and socialite was the ultimate muse of the 1920s and 1930s, inspiring many of the era’s most prominent creatives. With her openly dating women and artistic genius, Olin defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations of artists and feminists.

2. Pita Amor (1918-2000) – Mexican poet and writer who was known for her flamboyant personality and her openly lesbian relationships. She was a prominent figure in the literary scene of Mexico City in the mid-20th century and is remembered for her powerful and sensual poetry.
   
   
3. Jesusa Rodriguez (1955)  – Writer, actress, and activist born in Mexico City. Throughout her career, she has been a fierce advocate for social justice, feminism, and Indigenous rights, and has used her artistic talents to shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities. Rodriguez has written numerous plays, essays, and novels, and has performed in theater, film, and television. She has received wide recognition for her work making her a force to be reckoned with.
   
   
   
4. Nancy Cárdenas (1945-1994) – Fierce feminist and LGBTQ+ activist. Back in the 70s, she co-founded the first-ever lesbian feminist group in the country, and spoke up for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights for over five decades. This queen wore many hats – not only was she a champion for the cause, but she was also a journalist and author, spreading her message through her writing.
   
   

“G” 

5. Salvador Novo (1904 -1974) – Writer, poet, and playwright, this guy was a total character.  All-around eccentric who was known for his flamboyant fashion sense,  love of art and literature, and sharp wit. He was openly gay at a time when that was really difficult, but he didn’t let anyone dull his sparkle – he continued to push boundaries and challenge norms, both in his personal life and his writing, which was strongly influenced by the surrealist movement.
   
   
6. Carlos Monsiváis (1938 -2010) – Writer, journalist, and political commentator, Monsiváis was a cultural giant  in Mexico who left an indelible mark on the country’s intellectual landscape. Known for his wit, humor, and encyclopedic knowledge of Mexican culture, Monsiváis was a prolific writer, essayist, and cultural commentator. He was a champion of the marginalized and a tireless advocate for social justice, using his platform to speak out against corruption, discrimination, and inequality.
   
   
7. Sebastián Ligarde(1951) – He has had a successful career in the entertainment industry and has appeared in numerous telenovelas, films, and TV series. However, it was not until 2013 that he came out as gay. As an actor, he has played a wide range of roles, from the dashing leading man to the conniving villain. Despite facing some backlash for coming out as gay, he continues to be a beloved figure in Mexican entertainment, inspiring many with his courage and authenticity.
   
   

8. David Zepeda (1973) –  Actor, singer, heartthrob. Zepeda was born in Nogales, Sonora and began his career as a model before moving on to acting in telenovelas. He has appeared in several popular telenovelas, including “Sortilegio,” “La Fuerza del Destino,” and “Abismo de Pasión,” and has also released several albums as a singer. 

“B”

9. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651 – 1695) – Known as the “Phoenix of Mexico,” Sor Juana was a brilliant writer, poet, and philosopher who defied societal norms and challenged the patriarchal system of her era. Her writings, which explored themes of love, knowledge, and women’s rights, were both profound and controversial, earning her both admirers and detractors.
   
   
   
   
10. Xavier Villaurrutia (1903 – 1950): Celebrated poet and playwright known for his surreal and haunting imagery. He was a key figure in the development of modernist literature in Mexico, which sought to push boundaries in the arts. Villaurrutia was also a man of style and sophistication, often seen at social events where he charmed guests with his wit and impeccable fashion sense. He was also openly bisexual.
    
    
11. Christian Chávez (1983) – Born in Tijuana,  Chavez was a child actor who got his big break in the teen hit telenovela “Rebelde”. The TV series spawned the creation of musical band RBD of which he was the lead singer. In 2007 he came out as gay, and has since been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Mexico and around the world.

12. Snow Tha Product (1987) – Mexican-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and all around baddie from San Jose, California. Snow is known for her fast-paced, bilingual rapping style and has been featured in various collaborations. She has also been vocal about her experiences as a Mexican-American woman in the music industry and has used her platform to address social and political issues as well as talk about just how much she loves women.

“T” 

13. Amelio Robles Avila (1909 -1984) – Revolutionary and one of the first openly transgender men in Mexico. Amelio initially was an absolute legend who served as a member of the revolutionary army of Emiliano Zapata during the Mexican Revolution. He later joined the Mexican Communist Party and fought in the Spanish Civil War. In the 1950s, Amelio underwent gender confirmation surgery in Denmark, becoming one of the first documented transgender men in Mexico. He continued his activism for workers’ and women’s rights, eventually retiring from the Mexican government’s labor department.
    
    
14. Jennicet Gutiérrez (1986) – Ferocious activist and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, this Mexicana activist made headlines when she interrupted President Obama’s White House Pride reception, demanding that he release all LGBTQ+ immigrants from detention centers. Although some criticized her for being disrespectful, Jennicet’s bravery and dedication to her community inspired many. Today, she continues to fight for the rights of marginalized communities, reminding us all that the fight for justice is far from over.
    
    
15. Patricio Manuel (1985) – Mexican-American boxer who made history as the first transgender man to compete in a professional boxing match in the United States. After coming out as transgender in 2013, Manuel faced numerous obstacles and discrimination in the boxing world, but continued to dominate the ring and his life. In 2018, he won his first professional fight, making history and inspiring others in the LGBTQ+ community. Manuel has since become an advocate for transgender athletes and has worked to promote greater inclusion and understanding of gender diversity in sports.
    
    
16. Bamby Salcedo (1978) –  Trans activist born in Guadalajara. Her tireless efforts in advocating for trans rights have led to the creation of numerous organizations, including the TransLatin@ Coalition, which provides support and resources to trans Latinx individuals. In 2016, Bamby was also invited by the Obama administration to the White House United State of Women Summit to speak.  In addition to her activism, Bamby has also worked as a consultant for the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the city’s Department of Public Health, where she focuses on improving access to health care for trans people.

Q +

17. Valentina – This queen sashayed her way into our hearts on season nine of RuPaul’s Drag Race and never looked back. She has headlined at the Apollo theater in New York City, been featured in Vogue, among other high profile magazines, and has worked with designer Moschino…just to name a few things of the long list of once-in-a-lifetime achievements. 

18. Amaranta Gómez Regalado (1977) – Renowned muxe activist and performer from the city of Juchitán in Oaxaca, Mexico. She has been a strong advocate for the rights of the muxes, a third gender recognized in the Zapotec culture. Gómez Regalado has used her platform as a performer to raise awareness about the unique identity and cultural significance of the muxes and has been recognized for her contributions to the promotion of human rights and social justice in Mexico.
    
    
19. Tito Vasconcelos (1950) – Born in Oaxaca, this actor, writer, and director has not only left his mark in the world of film and television, but has also been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. With over four decades of experience in the industry, Tito has worked on a number of acclaimed films, such as “El Topo” and “The Holy Mountain”, and has directed and acted in many popular Mexican television shows. Additionally, he has been recognized for his activism and advocacy work, using his platform to raise awareness about issues faced by the queer community.
    
    
20. Barbara Sanchez-Kane (1988) – Bad-ass fashion designer and artist extraordinaire known for her gender-bending and avant-garde designs. Born in Mexico City, Sanchez-Kane studied fashion design and later founded her own fashion brand. Her designs often incorporate gender non-conforming elements and challenge traditional gender norms. Sanchez-Kane has also been involved in various art and performance projects, including creating costumes for theater productions and collaborating with musicians.

And that’s our short list! Hopefully this inspires you to look more into their lives or those of other LGBTQ+ Mexican icons so we can celebrate their names and add new horizons to our perspectives. 

ctives.