Latinx Intersectionality by Chantal Hernandez

The Push for the Decrease of Latins in America

chern303_ — 2023-11-21 21:26:11 UTC

Young Latina girls are protesting to end the forced sterilization of women. The effects of sterilization on Latina women and this photo exemplify the concept of discrimination against Hispanic women as this young girl will grow into a woman who is subjected to this injustice. Hispanics in America were unwanted and said to be just contributing to the poor population. Before Latin girls meet child-bearing age they are already fighting for their own reproductive rights. Sexism starts the second a girl leaves the care of their mother's womb.

The Bridge: Intersex Representation -- "La Muxe"

chern303_ — 2023-11-21 22:29:08 UTC

In Southern Mexico (Oaxaca) there exists a third gender population that is referred to as "La Muxe". It is a traditional occurrence, apart of Zapotec Indigenous Culture, and is seen as natural. They are assigned male at birth but continue on to take more traditionally female gender roles in life and present as "muxes". This exemplifies intersex representation in Mexico and shows how the gender binary has never been limited to only two. Intersex has existed for decades prior to the modern age and is practiced and seen as natural to many communities not only in Oaxaca but worldwide.

Latin Masculinity -- "Cholo" Culture

chern303_ — 2023-11-21 22:31:58 UTC

From being a young boy to adulthood men are forced into a perfect ideal of masculinity and anything below that ideal would warrant one not being "man enough". For Chicano/Latin men, this was not only encouraged but weaponized for use in dangerous contexts. "Man up" or "Be a Man" are commonly used phrases to young boys worldwide as a way to push them into societal standards of what a man should be. For Chicano men, these standards are still prevalent but added on top of this was the threat of gang violence. They would be taught from ages as young as preteens that showing emotion and weakness would be a sign of vulnerability -- therefore being a threat to the collective. Initiations and general roughhousing and violence were seen as a needed act to ensure you were man enough to be a part of that community and any complaints deemed you as weak. All of this causes a young boy with natural feelings of vulnerability to grow into a hardened, violent, and potentially dangerous individual now pushed into society.

Queer "Cholo" Latin Representation Erasure

chern303_ — 2023-11-21 22:34:40 UTC

San Francisco Mission District art portraying a queer romantic relationship between two Hispanic "cholo" men is shown as defaced and vandalized. Many Latin men put on a more masculine appearance in this way to compensate for their internalized homosexuality and those who express it-- get the treatment that is shown on this mural. Older generations of Latinos hide and erase homosexuality within the community not only due to societal norms of what an ideal meal should be but also connections to religion. In Latin households, you are taught that family matters above all. When the threat of your family turning their backs on you due to you being queer. Those who are different from what we know must suffer loss. It becomes a scary reality and many tend to conceal themselves forever. Homophobia within the Latinx community is persistent with the help of heterosexism and in many communities (not only Hispanics) it plagues queer individuals from being their true selves.

The Cycle Continues

chern303_ — 2023-11-21 22:36:28 UTC

Within Latin households, there is a persistent cycle of the woman as the "caregiver" which is passed down from mother to daughter. From cooking and cleaning to caring and tending to the needs of the male individuals within the household. This touches upon the toxic and harmful cycle of perpetuating and instilling gender norms upon a child before they form cognizant thought. From the day you can walk I have seen little girls picking up after their male counterparts and this being encouraged by adults. Especially within Hispanic homes, this is most evident. Training to be a good wife and caregiver is prioritized over hobbies and education that enriches a young girl.