Is Saying No to ‘Latinx’ Just Another Form of Machismo and Transphobia?

For years now, the neologism “Latinx” has been a bone of contention, both in social media and the political sphere. What emerged as an umbrella term for people who did not feel comfortable with the genders established by the hetero-patriarchal system ended up reduced to tantrums of cis people. Amid the debate, many have forgotten the real intent behind “Latinx.”

When the polls are wrong

The term “Latinx” first appeared in the early 1980s. It was conceived as a word for people of Latin American descent who do not identify as either male or female. While countries such as Argentina and Spain transformed Spanish nouns with the ending “e,” in English, it was not so simple. That’s why people in the LGBTQ+ community began using the “x” as a way to break the gender binary.

Recent surveys, like those from the Pew Research Center, continue to reflect the preference among U.S. Latinos for terms like Hispanic and Latina/Latino. Yet, only 4% of Latinos use Latinx to describe themselves. But what many fail to understand is that this 4% represents the LGBTQ+ community.

The mistake persists: Polls skew toward a predominantly heterosexual audience, missing the voices that matter most in this discussion.

Dear straight people, the term ‘Latinx’ is not about you

The problem many Latinos have with the neologism “Latinx” has a lot to do with their privilege and nothing to do with what really matters. And let’s be clear: The media is partly to blame. The term “Latinx” emerged as a vital tool for non-binary and genderqueer people. Heterosexual people were never forced to identify as Latinx.

Unfortunately, the misinformation became widespread, with outlets using “Latinx” as a symbol of “wokeness.” The backlash even led to legislative action, with some lawmakers introducing bills to ban the term from government documents. A notable example is Arkansas, which banned the use of “Latinx” in state documents in 2023.

The anti-trans movement and widespread transphobia

In a country where 97% of Latinos identify as heterosexual, it’s not surprising that those in power often overlook the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2024, we are still witnessing the horrific impact of anti-trans legislation sweeping across the country. Banning gender-affirming care, drag shows, and even censoring books—transphobia has never been so normalized.

As anti-trans laws multiply, the rejection of “Latinx” only adds fuel to the fire. Trans-Latinx individuals, already vulnerable, face rampant discrimination. According to new data, 49% of Latinx individuals have considered suicide, and 77% have faced physical and sexual violence. The struggle isn’t about a letter in a word—it’s about survival.

And yet, as we stand on the precipice of more political attacks, the fixation on rejecting a term that validates non-binary Latinos is appalling. It’s time we refocus our efforts on the real issues. Latinx individuals aren’t asking for more—they’re asking for recognition, dignity, and the chance to live authentically.

Trans rights are human rights—period.

In a world where transphobia is rampant and our rights are under siege, whether we use Latinx, Latina/o, or Latine should be the least of our worries. The rejection of Latinx is not just a linguistic preference—it reflects the very real and violent exclusion of gender-diverse people. As Latinos, it is time we confront this within our community. We cannot stand by while our trans siblings are left behind. The fight is not about language—it’s about survival.

The emergence of Latine

In recent years, the term Latine has emerged as another gender-neutral alternative, especially among Spanish speakers. While still gaining traction, only 18% of U.S. Hispanics have heard of Latine, compared to the growing familiarity with Latinx. Nonetheless, the debate between Latinx and Latine highlights a broader need for inclusivity, even if neither term has been widely adopted.

As awareness of these terms grows, we must remember: These are not just words. They are tools for empowerment, for breaking free from the heteronormative structures that bind us. Rejecting Latinx, or any form of non-binary expression, is not only linguistically dismissive—it’s morally wrong.

This article was originally published on wearemitu.com in April 2023. This version has been updated.