Great machas in a great city. This is the best definition of Luzónica, a group of young queer women based in Oaxaca City, who seek to sensitize Oaxacan society about sexual diversity through arts and cultural expressions.
Carina, Yiyi, Cois, Lety, Sofi—all of them between 19 and 30 years old—decided to create this group to satisfy their own need for something different in the Oaxacan queer scene. During informal conversations with some of them, they told us that even though you can find gay parties and gay venues in Oaxaca, there is a lack of spaces where artsy Oaxacan queers can show their work. Moreover, there is a lack of space where those who are not so fond of partying can meet other lesbians.
Luzónica members are part of the art and journalism scene in Oaxaca, a big advantage that has allowed them to link this young organization to others and also, to involve different venues across the city that are not considered queer.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that I witnessed and was part of the first event that Luzónica organized. I was impressed by their ability to involve cultural locales, restaurants and even the local government in a queer event that would probably have been rejected in other parts of the country, due to conservative attitudes towards sexual diversity.
I would not like to jinx Luzonica’s future, but considering that one of the purposes of this organization is to sweep away discrimination and rejection against queers, Luzónica is doing it right by showing that LGBT organizations are creative and have a lot to offer to the rest of society.
Oaxaca City is a great place with a bunch of restaurants, cafes, galleries, clubs and museums. So, if you happen to be an artsy macha and are interested in travelling to Oaxaca, do not hesitate in working with Luzónica or at least, take a look to their myspace and check out what’s on their agenda.
how i can get in touch with luzonica? Do they have a website? I just google them and the only thing i can get is your post!
oh! i am just blind… i just saw the link in machas outside…jejejej
im born and raised in san jose, ca but my parents are from oaxaca mexico…im a lesbian and im planning on visiting soon…i want to know more about what there is up there to do for lesbians…i mainly want to know about night clubs and places i can meet other lesbians…
There’s a place called Metropolis on 317 Xicotecantl St. It’s not for lesbians only, but it’s certainly gay. Maybe you’d like to check it out. Thanks for visiting Macha Mexico!
IM GLAD I FOUND DIS PAGE…I’VE BEEN TO OAXACA B4 BUT DIS WILL B MY FIRST TIME GOING SINCE I’VE CAME OUT TO MY FAMILY…IS THERE OTHER WEBSITE WHERE I CAN MEET PEOPLE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN OAXACA…I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE FRIENDS B4 I GO…THANKS
I am returning to Oaxaca for Day of the Dead this year. I would very much like to meet with other women to discuss gay life in the arts and in Oaxaca compared to the states. I am also interested in purchasing some art while I am there, and I always prefer to do business with “family”. How do I go about this?
Thank you
You can contact Luzonica through their website (http://www.luzonica.org.mx/) and I’m sure their will give you some advice about the gay scene in Oaxaca, and where to buy art in the city. I’m not sure what kind fo art you want to buy—sculptures, paintings, etc—but be sure to go the markets, where you will find astounding pieces made by Oaxacan women who you might want to support by buying their work. Even though Oaxaca has a vibrant art life and lots of galleries, I think that handcrafts are something that you can’t miss. Also, ask about the organic market, where you will have a feast of Oaxacan food made by locals. Enjoy your trip and let us know about your adventures!