Diversity Dialogues: Defining Latinx

Mesa Redonda Latinx Student Union Diversity and Inclusion Programs Land Acknowledgement Statement

"We acknowledge the land on which we sit and occupy at the University of Portland. The Portland Metro area rests on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River creating communities and summer encampments to harvest and use the plentiful natural resources of the area" (PILR, 2018) El uso o desuso de la palabra va a dictar su futuro.

—Pilar Melero What is Latinx?

“You misspelled ‘Latino/a’” “Latinx isn’t a word” “I keep seeing Latinx…what does it mean?”

• To Start The Discussion... Definition and History

• Latinx—refers to a person of Latin-American origin or descent using as a gender-neutral or nonbinary alternative to Latino or Latina • Linguistic evolution • In Spanish, the masculine form of words is considered gender neutral but this is not inclusive of people who do not identify within cis-gender norms ** Reported usage of the word "Latinx"

• 2004: “Latinx” first began to appeared among queer communities on the internet • 2014: Rise in popularity in late • 2015: Google searches began to increase • 2019: Latinx is identifier both on social media platforms and in scholarly work • Importance-- It goes beyond gender binariesand is inclusive of the intersecting identities of Latin American descendants.

• Using the term "Latinx" is more responsive to people who may consider Latinx Pride themselves trans, queer, agender, non- binary, gender non-conforming or even gender fluid. What Linguistic Scholars Think…

• Heteronormativity, identity, language, culture influences, linguistic transgression. • Resist heteronormativity • “Engaging questions on complexities, challenges, and contours of language offers • Who we are as community members and who we might become Promotion of Inclusivity, Awareness of Diversity

• Latinx gives people a way to avoid choosing a gender for a group or an unknown individual, much like using singular “they” avoids choice between “he” or “she” in English • Origin of Latinx as a neutral alternative to Latin, and it rejects the use of masculine and feminine in the Spanish language and gender and LGBT community exclusiveness. Criticisms

• Disrespectful to the Spanish language • Isn't easily spoken • “If you want a gender-neutral term, just use Latin. This is linguistic colonization by hípsters. Talk about cultural appropriation ” • “This term is a rejection of your own language” • “The suffixes would make construction of other words unpronounceable and change too much of the language” • “We are not talking about adding a word but literally changing our grammar that has been spoken for centuries now” Here @ UP – What Can We Do?

How can UP support this? One of the UP's major goals is to make students feel more included and accepted on campus. Latinx Student Union

• Formerly M.E.Ch.A. (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan) • Why the change? • Name did not adequately represent all members of our club • Demand from current and prospective members • Confusion amongst our campus community • Don't want to make assumptions • What's next? • Getting the word out • Logo design competition to represent our change • New member swag to celebrate the change Latinx Heritage Month

• National Hispanic Heritage Month 2019 • Sunday September 15—> Tuesday, October 15 MESA REDONDA—Weekly Events

• La Mesa Redonda Engage Page

• OR sign up for our weekly email on our upcoming events • Latinx Student Union Engage Page • Check out the page for upcoming events! Curious and Want to Know More?

• Check out some articles: • Why People Are Using The Term Latinx • The Importance of Identity Shines During Latinx Presentation • What is Your Stance on the Usage of a Word? • LGBT asylum seekers are first to reach the U.S. border from the caravan. Now they wait.