Marce Joan Butierrez is an opinion writer for the 2026 Sojourners Journalism Cohort.
She is an anthropologist and journalist who specializes in the history of trans and queer people in South America. Born in Argentina, she grew up in a household full of books and newspapers. With the guidance of her sweet Polish neighbor, she embraced Judaism and developed a strong connection with Argentine Jewish culture. She moved to Michigan to take up a position as a Research Fellow at the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan. Currently, she is the Chair of the Sexualities Studies Section of the Latin American Studies Association.
As a trans and Jewish scholar and journalist from South America, Marce’s writing brings together her personal research and her perspective on the current political situation of trans people in the region.
Outside of work, she enjoys sharing her life with her boyfriend and her pet bunny. She loves museums, movies, biking, and learning about traditional Midwestern dishes. When the weather permits, she attends the synagogue and spends time with the congregation. Her greatest dream is to one day raise Jewish children in an interfaith family with progressive values.