As the world recognizes World Day for Social Justice, it’s crucial to reflect on the diverse voices that contribute to the fabric of our societies. Latinas, with their rich cultural heritage and unique experiences, stand at the intersection of multiple identities, making their voices all the more vital in the pursuit of social justice. Amid ongoing struggles for justice, equality, inclusivity, and peace, it’s imperative to highlight the perspectives of those often marginalized and underrepresented.
Latinas Represent is dedicated to training, supporting, and amplifying the voices of Latinas in public service. Today, we honor our communities’ determination, strength, and unwavering commitment to justice. From advocating for immigrant rights to fighting against gender-based violence, Latinas have been at the forefront of social justice movements, driving meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
One of the key aspects of social justice is recognizing and challenging systemic inequalities. Latinas often face intersecting forms of discrimination based on their ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, and more. Latinas continue to rise despite these obstacles, breaking barriers and defying expectations. Our diversity is our strength, and by embracing our unique perspectives, we pave the way for a more just and equitable world.
Representation matters, especially in spaces where Latinas have historically been excluded or marginalized. Whether in politics, media, academia, or the arts, Latinas push boundaries and demand to be heard. By showcasing our stories, experiences, and achievements, we challenge stereotypes and inspire future generations to dream big.
However, the fight for social justice is far from over. Latinas continue to face disproportionate rates of poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and systemic barriers to success. On this World Day for Social Justice, let us recommit ourselves to creating a world where all people, including Latinas, have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
As Latinas, we are in solidarity with our siblings worldwide, recognizing that our struggles are interconnected. We refuse to be silenced or sidelined and we demand a seat at the table where decisions that impact our lives and our communities are made.
Together, we have the power to create a more just and equitable world for all. Let us harness that power and continue the fight for social justice today and every day.
We aim to track Latina elected officials at all levels of government. If you are a current elected official who identifies as Latina and are not currently listed on our map, please submit your information below. Your submission will be reviewed prior to being added to the map.
Source: National Hispanic Leadership Agenda
The word Hispanic is closely tied to the U.S. government and its efforts to identify groups of people, which defines it as “Americans of Spanish origin or descent.” Under this definition, Hispanic only refers to people who are originally from Spanish-speaking countries. This term includes people from Spain but excludes people from Brazil. Although this term is widely used to describe a pan-ethnic Spanish-speaking group of people, it is not universally embraced by the communities who have been labeled as such. Due to its connection to Spanish colonization, some view the term Hispanic as a Eurocentric label that erases the Indigenous and Afro-Latino heritage of people from Latin America.
The terms Latino, Latina, Latin@, Latine, and Latinx refer to a person or group of people of Latin American or Caribbean origin or descent; this includes people from all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean but excludes Spain. When used in the singular form, Latino refers specifically to a man or boy, which is why it is necessary to use the term Latina when referring to women or girls of Latin American origin. The term “Latino” applies to a broader group of people in Spanish because the language is gendered and the masculine forms of words may also be considered gender-neutral, which means that the language itself sets a baseline that is both heterosexual and masculine and by default exclusionary. The term “Latinx” arose out of a desire to have a gender-neutral term and is used to refer to people of Latin American or Caribbean origins and is inclusive of those who identify along a gender spectrum and diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Latinx term began appearing on the Internet in queer communities in the United States; however, it is not always considered the perfect response to the search for a postcolonial word because it requires an understanding of the English language and tends to highlight people of mestizo identity while erasing Indigenous and Afro-Latino identities. Some also have used the term “Latin@” to be inclusive, using the @ symbol to represent both an O and an A. More recently, “Latine” has emerged as an alternative to Latinx as a gender-neutral term rooted in the Spanish language. It is starting to be used in some parts of Latin America and the Caribbean and is also starting to gain some recognition in the United States.
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