Weaving – Indigenous Trans Weaver Revives Tradition and Redefines Identity

Weaving – In a small Indigenous village in southern Mexico, a centuries-old weaving tradition is being reshaped by one woman’s determination to preserve her roots while redefining identity and inclusion.

Early Life and Hidden Lessons

Xaneri Merino was born in San Pedro Jicayán, where strict gender roles traditionally guide daily life. Assigned male at birth, she was expected to work in agriculture or tend livestock, as weaving has long been considered women’s work in the community.

However, her grandmother quietly challenged those norms. Away from public view, she began teaching Merino the intricate art of backstrap loom weaving when she was just a teenager. The loom, a portable device tied around the waist, requires patience, rhythm, and a deep understanding of natural materials.

Merino recalls those early lessons as transformative, not only for learning a craft but also for understanding respect for nature and ancestral knowledge.

Cultural Roots and Identity

Merino’s heritage is shaped by two rich Indigenous traditions. On her mother’s side, she descends from the Mixtec people, whose cultural narratives are deeply tied to sacred landscapes. Her father’s Zapotec roots emphasize spirituality woven into everyday life.

Today, Merino identifies as both a transgender woman and a muxe, a Zapotec concept that recognizes individuals assigned male at birth who take on roles traditionally associated with women. This identity reflects a broader cultural understanding of gender beyond binary definitions.

A Philosophy Grounded in Nature

One of the most enduring teachings from her grandmother was the importance of giving back to the environment. Materials used in weaving—such as wooden rods crafted from local trees—are sourced carefully, with efforts made to replenish what is taken.

For Merino, weaving is not just about producing textiles; it represents a relationship with the land and a responsibility to preserve it. This ecological awareness remains central to her work.

Facing Resistance and Punishment

Merino’s path was not without hardship. As a teenager, her weaving drew public attention, leading to a community meeting where elders questioned her actions. In a society where gender roles are strictly enforced, her decision to weave was seen as defiance.

She was assigned punishment, including cleaning the local church, and faced social pressure that forced her to hide her craft. The experience left a lasting emotional impact, and for a time, she distanced herself from weaving altogether.

Rediscovering Purpose in the City

Years later, Merino moved to Mexico City to pursue higher education in communications. Her studies included cultural management and Indigenous resistance, which helped her reevaluate her experiences.

Through this academic lens, she began to see weaving not as a source of conflict but as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and personal healing. Gradually, she returned to the loom, embracing it as both an artistic practice and a form of self-expression.

Creating Inclusive Spaces Through Craft

Today, Merino works as both a weaver and an educator. She leads workshops that introduce people—particularly from LGBTQ+ communities—to the backstrap loom.

Her teaching approach emphasizes storytelling and self-discovery. Participants are encouraged to see weaving as more than technique; it becomes a way to process emotions and connect with identity.

Students often describe the experience as therapeutic, noting how their feelings are reflected in the patterns and textures they create.

The Craft and Its Challenges

Backstrap loom weaving is labor-intensive. Completing a single traditional garment can take weeks of consistent work. The process involves natural dyes, including rare pigments sourced from coastal marine life, which are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain due to environmental changes.

Despite these challenges, Merino remains committed to sourcing authentic materials, often traveling back to her hometown to gather them.

A Growing Movement in the Community

Merino’s influence has begun to shift perceptions in her village. Several young people, including transgender women and men, have taken up weaving, inspired by her example.

What was once seen as a violation of tradition is gradually being recognized as a continuation of it—adapted to reflect a more inclusive understanding of identity.

Preserving Tradition While Inspiring Change

For Merino, weaving is both a personal journey and a collective effort. It connects past and present, linking ancestral knowledge with contemporary conversations about gender and culture.

Her work highlights how traditions can evolve without losing their essence, offering a path forward for communities navigating change.