For many, the word "Latinx" is offensive and doesn't include acceptance
Monica Carrillo-Casas, April 28, 2023
It's interesting to see how at one point, the word "Latinx" was seen as a possibility for gender-inclusivity, ten years ago.
Now, not so much. Why?
This term has been long used since the early 2000s where it was most commonly used on college campuses, young activists and even LGBTQ+ groups who were looking for a more gender-neutral term, according to NBC News.
But in a survey in 2020 done by Pew Research Center, only 23% of U.S. adults who identify as Hispanic and/or Latino have heard this term, but only 3% actually use it.
It was also said that 42% of this survey was known through younger generations, ages 18 through 29, while 7% of those were ages 65 and older.
One of the reasons why it has been claimed as unpopular for many Latinos stems from being too difficult to pronounce in Spanish.
The letter “x” makes it harder to say in a sentence, especially when talking to older folks about the meaning of this term or why people use this term— it’s confusing.
In recent months, I’ve heard more Latinos using the term “Latine” as a form of gender-neutrality when speaking Spanish, which many not only have seen as easier to pronounce but much more connected to the Spanish language and its grammar.
Although there are still many Latino’s who aren’t in favor of either terms, the word “Latine”' might just be helpful enough when talking to someone about gender-neutral terminology and the importance for young activists.
I personally am on the fence on both and don’t use either of them currently, but at the end of the day, I think it’s important to hear what Latino nonbinary and LGBTQ+ members think of these terms more than any other group.
What do you think? Should we be using Latinx or Latine?
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