Creato Talks

Non-Binary Gender

Introducing CREATO TALKS! Our new segment where we chat with Latinx artists, experts and professionals about the things that matter to them and the experiences that have shaped them.

This month we had the pleasure of chatting with our favourite Aquarius, Luis Cisneros (ze/hir), about all things non-binary

Hola Luis! Firstly, what are your pronouns?

My pronouns have been changing throughout my entire life and my gender. For now you can refer to me as Ze/Hir in English and Elle in Spanish.

Why are your pronouns important to you?

Pronouns are important not only because for me they reinforce my gender but also it shows acknowledgement and respect from others of who I am

What is genero no binario / binarie (non-binary)?

The gender binary system that was imposed globally by colonizers is a system that only recognizes two genders: Male and Female. We know that before colonization many cultures recognized other genders, [for] example: the Two Spirits in Indigenous cultures and Muxes in Zapotec cultures in Oaxaca Mexico.

How has the gender binary system impacted you?

To me it was important to understand that the system was a social and cultural construction in which I didn’t fit. And when finally I was allowed to be myself, I started to do better mentally and emotionally.

”The discovery of your gender is a journey and for some it is an easy and direct path and for others it is more complicated.”

Why is it important to reject the idea of “rules” / binaries and embrace our gender fluidity?

I think to put everyone in a box of what they should be or where they should fit and to think that we cannot change is limiting. People can explore and change with time. The discovery of your gender is a journey and for some it is an easy and direct path and for others it is more complicated. To limit someone’s journey because of a system of beliefs can be damaging.