Xtagabe’ñe is the area for critical reflection and new narratives on intersex that makes up the Brújula Intersexual project. In this area, we intend to develop creative projects based on the intersex experience that help strengthen the Spanish-speaking intersex community in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean from an intercultural, intersectional, and decolonial approach.
The word Xtagabe’ñe comes from the Zapotec of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and means “Water lily” or “Lotus flower.” The Xtagabe’ñe is a hermaphrodite flower that has around 70 variations or species, each with its shapes, colors, and sizes. These flowers usually grow solitary, without forming clusters, but several can be found in the same lake or pond. Intersex people often grow up isolated from other people with similar sexual characteristics to ours. Even if there are several in the same town or city, we don’t know each other, but one day we may meet.
The petals of the water lily always come out clean and intact, even though they grow in the mud. Intersex people grow up surrounded by difficulties and unpleasant situations that, just like the stem of the water lily, remain underwater, hidden from everyone around us; however, despite this, we get up and get ahead. Through the intersex movement, we fight to protect our human rights so that our right to bodily autonomy and self-determination is respected and the integrity of our bodies is preserved in the same way that the xtagabe’ñe flower maintains the integrity of its petals.
The project in the Area of Critical Reflection and New Narratives of Brújula Intersexual consists of the creation of a virtual fanzine about Intersexuality, through which it is intended to make a compilation of illustrations and narrative and lyrical texts that reflect the experiences of intersex in different sociocultural contexts of Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
To carry this out, we want to raise $5,000 or more, which will be used to remunerate intersex people who collaborate in producing the material. The number of people participating and their remuneration will depend on the funds raised.
Many people who will participate in this project are going through a difficult economic situation. Some have not been able to get a well-paid job due to the discrimination they experience daily, which makes it difficult for them to cover their most basic personal expenses such as food and housing, or they have difficulties covering medical costs because of the consequences left on their bodies the medical protocol. In this way, the remuneration they receive for their participation will help them cover these expenses.
Thanks so much for supporting Brujula and their community efforts!




