LEGACIES OF IDENTITY: Queer Histories of Third Genders

The exhibition ‘LEGACIES OF IDENTITY: Queer Histories of Third Genders’ offers a look into LGBTQIA+ communities from around the world that embrace third and trans genders. These include Indigenous traditions such as the Waria in Indonesia and the Muxes in Mexico. These identities are not new. They have existed for centuries and celebrate the wide diversity in gender expression, beyond the binary.

By sharing these long-standing traditions, we bring forward histories rooted in resilience and cultural continuity. It is also a reminder that diversity in the human experience is broad, beautiful, and in urgent need of protection. Especially now, as queer lives are increasingly silenced, endangered or erased. The exhibition takes place at a time when LGBTQIA+ rights are under growing threat, driven by extremist right-wing movements. ‘LEGACIES OF IDENTITY’ acknowledges the dangers faced by LGBTQIA+ communities, whilst highlighting that queer lives are not only defined by struggle.

The photography of Nelson Morales, Jairo Nicolás Bernal, Sumi Anjuman, Vaughan Larsen, Supranav Dash, JeanPaul Paula, Yoppy Pieter and Su Cassiano reflect on aspects of colonialism, class systems and religious institutions as forces that marginalize and oppress.

In collaboration with Pride Photo, Melkweg Expo proudly presents this exhibition as a shared statement: queer histories matter, and so does their protection. Through these powerful stories we aim to share lived experiences that show how queer people have always, and will always, exist.

This exhibition is supported by Mondriaan Fund, Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, the Culture Fund and Pictoright Fund.