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In the early 2000s, the term “Latinx” began circulating in activist circles as a new variant to refer to “gender-fluid” or “gender-neutral” Latinos. Over the years it gained favor in the United States, leading it to be added to Merriam-Webster in 2018 and the Oxford English Dictionary in 2019. However, Hispanics themselves acknowledge that it is not their favorite term.
Since the term was coined, progressive activists and academics have defended its use to the hilt, claiming that it is popular among Hispanics. However, Latinos themselves have repeatedly asserted that nothing could be further from the truth.
Hispanic and Democratic lawmakers in Connecticut proposed a new state law to ban the term “Latinx” in all government documents. The reason? They find it “offensive.”
“I’m of Puerto Rican descent and I find it offensive. The Spanish language, which is centuries old, defaults to Latino for everybody. It’s all-inclusive. They didn’t need to create a word, it already exists,” said Geraldo Reyes, state representative for the Constitution State.
Reyes, who has represented Waterbury’s 75th Assembly District in the Connecticut House of Representatives since 2016, is the primary sponsor of HB No. 6384. The legislation was joined by Christopher Rosario, Juan R. Candelaria, Robert Sanchez, and Minnie Gonzalez, four other Hispanic Democrats.
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Reyes and his allies are not the only Hispanics and Democrats to criticize the term. It turns out that there is one prominent name, who is seeking to run for the Senate in Arizona, who also voiced his displeasure.
Ruben Gallego, currently challenging Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) from the left, addressed the use of “Latinx” at the end of 2021. “When Latino politicos use the term it is largely to appease white rich progressives who think that is the term we use,” he asserted on his Twitter account.
The current congressman also stated that his office was not authorized to use the term in any official communication.
Joaquín Núñez es licenciado en comunicación periodística por la Universidad Católica Argentina. Se especializa en el escenario internacional y en la política nacional norteamericana. Confeso hincha de Racing Club de Avellaneda. Contacto: [email protected] // Joaquín Núñez has a degree in journalistic communication from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He specializes in the international scene and national American politics. Confessed fan of Racing Club of Avellaneda. Contact: [email protected]