History is not as it was told to us. As we grow up, we realize that there are facts that school books leave out, and a clear example is the theory surrounding Mariano Matamoros, Mexico’s Independence hero.
For the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence, experts from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) decided to dig deeper into the past of this hero who fought alongside José María Morelos y Pavón. When studying the remains of Matamoros, the researchers got a big surprise, as they belonged to those of a woman, which unleashed the possibility that he was transgender.
Was Mariano Matamoros Transgender?
When the results were revealed, people began to say that the remains probably did not correspond to those of the Independence hero, but historians and archaeologists concluded that they were authentic. There was no way someone could’ve changed them.
It is believed then that Matamoros was, biologically a woman, but that he identified himself as a man or that simply he decided to dress up as one to be able to fight. Recall that this was a very common practice, as at that time and throughout history, many women passed themselves off as men to enjoy their rights, such as access to education or the chance to enter the military and fight for their nation.
The bones described a woman of short stature, barely 1.51 centimeters, who died between 40 and 45 years of age. This coincides in part with chronicles of the time, such as that of Carlos María Bustamante, which described Matamoros in a similar way: a thin, short man. But it must also be admitted that these chronicles mentioned that Matamoros had a beard and a thick voice due to his heavy cigarette consumption; although in no image of him is seen with this description.
Other Facts About Mariano Matamoros
Although it is unlikely that we will find hard evidence about Mariano Matamoros’ biological gender, there are historical accounts that support the theory that he was a transgender man. In addition, chroniclers wrote of his habit of never undressing in front of other men for no apparent reason.
While it has not been fully accepted that Matamoros was a biological woman, it has been suggested that he most likely had Turner Syndrome, a condition in girls that affects their development, resulting in small breasts, ovarian problems, and short stature. Mariano Matamoros would not be the first trans man in history.
In Mexico alone, we can find Amelio Robles, a trans man who managed to become a colonel of the Mexican Revolution, earning the respect of his contemporaries and having his identity recognized. There are also examples like Joan of Arc, considered a heroine of French history who disguised herself as a man at first to lead her army against the English during the 100 Years’ War.
This story was originally published in Spanish in Cultura Colectiva
