Gender in the Americas: Indigenous and Beyond

A pan-Indigenous English umbrella term coined in 1990 at the Winnipeg gathering, encompassing nation-specific roles like nádleehi (Diné), winkte (Lakota), and lhamana (Zuni).

'One who is transformed.' Diné people whose gender combines masculine and feminine; traditionally associated with prosperity and ceremony.

Lakota assigned-male people who took on women's roles and were considered to carry sacred medicine, often serving as name-givers for children.

Zuni gender role most famously embodied by We'wha (1849–1896), a celebrated weaver and diplomat who met U.S. President Grover Cleveland.

A recognized third gender among the Zapotec of Juchitán; muxes are celebrated annually at the Vela de las Intrépidas festival.

A distinct Latin American identity — particularly in Argentina, Brazil, and Peru — that refuses translation into 'trans woman,' carrying its own political and aesthetic heritage.

Inca ritual specialists who embodied masculine and feminine simultaneously, mediating between the worlds in chuqui chinchay ceremonies.

Warao term for 'twisted women' — assigned-male people who live as women in Warao society.