Bringing gender equality and a sense of inclusivity to the community was the reason for creating the new identifier, “Latinx,” that may soon replace the terms “Latino” and “Latina” completely.
To kick off Latino/a Heritage month, Keynote Speaker Jack Qu’emi will address the difference between the terms Latino/Latina/Latinx at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 in the Vandal Ballroom. Admission is free.
In the keynote address, Qu’emi will explain why many institutions are shifting to use the term “Latinx” said Leathia Botello, coordinator for the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
“This year’s national theme is ‘Honoring our Heritage. Building your Future,’” Botello said. “Jack Qu’emi will deliver her address named, ‘Honoring Identities & Building our Futurex’ where Jack will specifically address the many intersectionality’s of her own identities, and the importance of respecting them and all others as we move in building the future of our community.”
“Latinx” is fairly new term, given the increase in the diversity of identities. Botello said in the past few years she has seen more of the different identities around campus, so the change to “Latinx” will help include everybody, regardless of gender.
Botello said the term “Latinx” was created to provide a more gender-neutral way to express ethnicity and allow the encompassment of all different types of genders. There is a big push to use this term instead of “Latino” or “Latina,” she said.
“We want to be as inclusive as possible and make sure that all identities are being heard,” Botello said. “We think it’s really important because (Jack Qu’emi) self-identifies as Afro-Latinx, so she’s going to be talking about her own identity.”
Botello said Qu’emi plans to conduct the keynote address as a group discussion rather than a lecture. This way people are able to express their own opinions on the matter, exchange views and openly talk about the new gender-equal term and the importance of identities.
“She will present for 30 minutes, and then she is going to ask for people to ask questions and ask to have a dialogue, not for her to just lecture to us, but to have that open talk,” Botello said.
Botello said the Office of Multicultural Affairs works to be there for the retention of the multicultural students through mentoring programs, academic, cultural and social support. They also work with 20 other multicultural student organizations that help with leadership development.
“We are here to serve as a resource and make sure that students know about the resources we have available, whether it’s the Counseling and Testing Center, the Career Center or making sure they are getting involved on campus,” Botello said. “We are also here for the general education of all students, so we work with a lot of faculty throughout campus to put on meaningful campus programs that are reflecting what you’re learning in the classroom.”
Savannah Cardon
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