She is looked up to by her Chicano community because she keeps the traditions of Chicano history alive while reinforcing the importance of Chicano culture in the present and future. As Baez produces meanings about the Chicano culture and its history, she also produces meanings about gender and sexuality. Being a famous Chicana woman gives Baez the ability and leverage to make a statement about these issues. She is an advocate for both genders, but she does touch on some subjects that focus on being a woman and female sexuality. Baez has never bought into the flashy and revealing appearance of a typical pop star.
Sexuality can be more about decisions and actions than appearance.
Baez believes that as a woman, one needs her freedom to make choices concerning her own life. That freedom does not come without the example Baez has set for women and sexuality. Through Baez, Chicanas can learn to be powerful and independent women with the intelligence to make the best decisions concerning their gender and sexuality. In conjunction with Chicano history, culture, gender, and sexuality comes the parallel between Joan Baez and the historical Chicana figure the Virgin of Guadalupe. The connection is indirect, but a connection still exists.