The term “Latinx” is not as inclusive as it claims to be

by AYIANA ALLEN

Staff Writer

Language is a tool with the powerful tool used to shape identities, to include and exclude groups in a society. As a mixed person, I’ve seen firsthand how words can carry deep cultural significance and cause erasure or exclusion. When words that come into circulation are from the outside, it can feel like the words being used within your group are being dictated by others. One of the most debated terms within recent years is the term “Latinx,” a word that was created with the intention of inclusivity, but has been met with significant resistance from the people it claims to represent. 

The term “Latinx” seems to have come from activists in the United States looking for a gender-neutral term to “Latino” or “Latina.” The term first appeared in 2004 and resurfaced in an academic journal in 2013. Those in favor of the term recognize its use as inclusive for those who are non-binary and gender-nonconforming, which is an important part of creating a more progressive and accepting society. However, its adoption has been met with strong resistance from many Latino communities, both in the U.S. and Latin America. Hostility toward the term is not just about linguistics, but a large issue of modern colonialism. 

A few grievances with the term “Latinx” stems from the fact that ‘x’ does not flow naturally or fit within Spanish grammar rules. In fact, it caters more toward the English speakers than Spanish speakers, especially considering that the letter ‘x’ is not pronounced the same way in English. In this way English is enforcing its norms onto Spanish speakers and Latinos by introducing it as the new inclusive term.

“The idea is fundamentally broken in the native language. It’s unpronounceable in Spanish and in English, which just makes it difficult for everyone and is counterproductive,” said Addai Tavara-Alanso, a sophomore computer science major.

I have heard professors use “Latinx” because they believe that they are being inclusive and respectful. I often relay these instances of professors using that term to friends who meet me with confused looks. Some go as far to ask for the professor’s name in order to avoid taking a class with them. These students are not alone in their grievances with the term. 

“I wouldn’t feel or say uncomfortable [if a professor used the term ‘Latinx’], but it’s disillusioning,” said Tavara-Alanso. “They have the right intention but don’t go about it in the right way.”

A recent 2024 survey collected from Pew Research Center found that only 4% of Latinos use the term “Latinx.” The study also reported that 42% have heard the term and don’t use it, while 51% have not heard the term.

This raises an important question: Who gets to define identity? If we truly care about decolonization, respecting and representing communities, shouldn’t we listen to what those communities have to say about their own identities.

Especially as a university, we want to ensure that students at UMW feel they have a safe and supportive community that truly hears them. The use of “Latinx” follows the historical pattern of outsiders enforcing their cultural language and labels onto maragnized groups. Especially for those of the Indigenous communities of North and South America, where there has been historical change to their culture and language especially. While “Latinx” is not under the same cruel oppressive intent, the use of it despite its vocalized hostility speaks of a troubling trend.

Another aspect to consider is the diversity within the Latino community already. The term “Latino” is already a broad term that encompasses many different cultural, racial and national backgrounds. Adding “Latinx” does not solve the broad term problem, if it should be considered a problem at all, but instead exacerbates them.

Language should reflect how individuals or a people see themselves, not how outsiders believe they should be seen or categorized. There will be those who will use Latino to describe themselves while others may use Latinx if they so identify outside the gender binary.

An alternative to “Latinx” is the term “Latine” which is still an equally debated term as Latino is the gender neutral form within Spanish. However, compared to the suffix “-x,” “Latine” is more natural to the Spanish language and native speakers have the “-e” ending come more naturally within their language than the English “-x.”

Furthermore, “Latine” refers commonly to the individual who is gender non-conforming rather than the group (Latinos). Nonetheless, “Latino” remains the preferred term among the majority of Spanish-speaking people.

The debates about “Latinx” are not just about the term. It is about power, identity and the right of communities to label and define themselves. While some may prefer to use the term “Latinx,” using it as a broad stroke over all Latinos is being more restrictive than inclusive from the intention of making marginalized communities more heard and represented. More importantly, we should be asking Latino communities how they wish to be identified rather than assuming what they want to be named. 

Ultimately, if we are serious about decolonization, we must be serious about respecting the self-determination of all communities. The first step toward true progression and understanding means listening rather than dictating.