Amelio Robles Ávila was a trans Zapatista who fought in the Mexican Revolution and was one of the first recorded transgender figures in Latin American history. From a young age, he showed an interest in learning to tame horses and handle weaponry, quickly becoming both a skilled rider and marksman.

Born in 1889, he joined the army in 1911 or 1912, and, within a couple years, began dressing as a man and insisted on being referred to as such.

He fought as “El Coronel Robles,” and received significant awards for his military service. Robles’ identity as a man was accepted by his family, social and military circles, and the Mexican government, and he lived as a man from the age of 24 until his death.