Graciela Iturbide devoted nearly a decade to creating her acclaimed "Juchitan de las Mujeres series," which includes the photograph "Magnolia, Juchitán, México." This portrait features Magnolia, a resident of Juchitán, Oaxaca, a town notable for its widespread acceptance of a third gender. Magnolia, who identifies as a Muxe and is neither male nor female, was captured by Iturbide in various outfits and makeup, challenging the constructed nature of gender identity.
The image presents a full-length portrait of a robust, handsome transvestite. Magnolia stands tall and strong, draped in a long, floral dress. With arms raised and elbows bent, she balances a small mirror on her right shoulder. This mirror reflects her cropped profile, effectively splitting her gaze as she appears to look both skyward and toward the distance.