The term "Latinx"


- quote from "What does ‘Latinx’ mean? A look at the term that's challenging gender norms", by Yassenia Padilla

The Spanish Language has always been gendered. Words ending in “a” or “as” refer to the female gender, while words ending in “o” or “os” refer to the male gender. The term “Latinx” is a term that ungenders Spanish. The term Latinx, became more popular around 2014, and it began to be used beyond the LGBTQIA communities. The term Latinx means the same as “Latinos” or “Latinas”. However, it is more gender inclusive, especially to those who are either Transgender or Gender non-conforming. In the article, “Why We Say Latinx: Trans & Gender Non-Conforming People Explain”, Jack Qu’emi Gutierrez said he identifies as an Afro-Latinx because he acknowledges both his Latinidad/racial mixture, and his “commitment to a lack of participation in the gender binary”. Nik Angel Moreno who identifies as a non-binary transgender person said that the term Latinx means strength, resilience, and power to him. The term Latinx includes all Latinx individuals who are gender non-conforming. By using “Latinx”, we are including an account for individual who do not identify as Latino or Latina. This is essential to Latinx/Latino/Latina studies. In Latinx Studies just like in any study, it is important to account for all the people in that group. This prevents generalizations or exclusions of those who belong to the specific group of people. In this case, the group refers to those from Latin America. Also, as a person and not just as a society, it is important that we respect others’ wishes. By seeing others as a person first, we can peacefully coexist as a society. By the term “Latinx” being more inclusive to all Latinx individuals, we can move forward towards fair and non-discriminatory subjects when discussing or learning about Latinx studies. Although, Latinx has not been established yet as the perfect term to describe those from Latin America, it is a huge step in the right direction to include all individuals from Latin America. 

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