Name
Why Are We Still Latinos/as and Not Latinx? Reflections on the Use of Gender-neutral Terms at CUNY and Beyond
Date & Time
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Track
Women – Challenges for Change Agents
Session Type
Panel
Description

The terms used to describe the heterogenous peoples of Latin American in the United States has always been subjected to controversies. The Spanish language is often an important common denominator among this complex group, yet the newest term of “Latinx” embodies a gender-neutrality that does not align with the gendered grammar of the language. Moreover, some have questioned its use to problematize larger symbolic and policy issues confronting this heterogenous group. This presentation seeks to situate the conversation here at CUNY, by drawing from data of students who were given the opportunity to choose their preferred label, as well as questions asking whether this has shifted over time or is aligned with the categorization their parents might use. Results show that students did not choose gender-neutral language to describe their ethnic Latino/a identity, and this will be used as springboard for further reflection and discussion.