Breaking the Gender Barrier: The Significance of Latinx & Latinés in the Face of Political Resistance

Latinx and Latinés are relatively new terms that have emerged in recent years to describe individuals of Latin American descent. Traditionally, the terms "Latino" and "Latina" have been used to refer to individuals of Latin American descent. However, these terms are gendered and exclude non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. This exclusion led to the emergence of the term "Latinx" as a gender-neutral alternative that includes all individuals of Latin American descent, regardless of gender identity.

The term "Latinx" first appeared in the late 1990s and early 2000s in online forums and social media platforms as a way to challenge the gender binary and heteronormativity that had been embedded in the Spanish language. The "x" at the end of "Latin" was intended to signify a departure from the traditional gender binary of "Latino" and "Latina”. It was also seen as a way to bring attention to the intersectionality of identities within the Latin American community, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class.

Similarly, the term "Latinés" emerged as a gender-neutral alternative in some Spanish-speaking countries. The term "Latinés" is the masculine version of "Latina" in Spanish, and it was introduced as a gender-neutral option by feminist activists who sought to challenge the gender binary in the Spanish language. The use of "Latinés" is still debated in some circles, as it is not as widely recognized as "Latinx”.

The emergence of these gender-neutral terms reflects a larger societal shift towards inclusivity and representation of marginalized communities. The use of gender-neutral language acknowledges and affirms the diverse identities and experiences of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

However, despite the positive intentions behind these terms, they have become a source of controversy and resistance in some circles. Several conservative-leaning states have enacted bans on the use of "Latinx" and related concepts in public institutions. The bans have been met with criticism from Latinx activists and allies, who argue that they represent an attack on inclusive language and an attempt to erase the experiences of non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals within the Latin American community.

In April 2021, the state of Arkansas passed a law that prohibits the use of the term "critical race theory" and related concepts, including the term "Latinx," in public schools. The ban on the use of "Latinx" has been specifically criticized as an attempt to erase the experiences of non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals within the Latin American community. Most recently, the state's governor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced an executive order banning the term from state documents.

Sanders ignorantly argues that "ethnically insensitive and pejorative language has no place in official government documents or government employee titles," and suggests that alternative terms such as "Hispanic," "Latino," and "Latina" be used instead. However, we know that this move only serves to erase the experiences of non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals within the Latin American community.

Similarly, in May 2021, the state of Florida passed a bill that prohibits the use of the terms "Latinx" and "Hispanic" in official state documents and communications. The bill has been criticized as an attack on inclusive language and an attempt to erase the experiences of non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals within the Latin American community. Most recently, DeSantis banned African American studies which will also exclude Afro-Latinx communities from the conversation.

“Florida is the state that is home to the third most Afro-Latinx people in the United States. African American studies is also a study of the history of the Afro-Latinx community in the United States, taught through intersectionality. When DeSantis ignorantly claims that this course is  “unnecessary,” I think about how many young Afro-Latinx students are being kept from learning about their history, a history that has been kept from us for decades.

In Idaho, a law was passed that bans the use of funding for any educational program that promotes "social justice ideology." The law specifically prohibits the teaching of critical race theory and related concepts, including the term "Latinx."—El Tecolote

The political landscape surrounding the use of inclusive language is aggressive, complex, and evolving. While some may view the use of "Latinx" and "Latinés" as a necessary step towards inclusivity, others ignorantly see it as an attack on traditional language and cultural values. Ultimately, the use of gender-neutral language is a personal choice, and it is up to individuals and communities to determine what terms best represent their experiences and identities.

The use of Latinx and Latinés has since spread beyond academic and activist spaces and has become a more widely accepted term within the Latin American community. While the term has faced some resistance, particularly from older generations who are more accustomed to the traditional gendered terms, it has been widely embraced by younger generations and by individuals who identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming.

While the bans on the use of these terms represent a significant setback for inclusive language and gender inclusivity, the growing acceptance and use of these terms within the community offer hope for a more inclusive and equitable future. It is important to continue to challenge narrow and exclusionary views of gender and to promote a more expansive and inclusive understanding of what it means to be Latin American.