Statement: The right to self-identification is unquestionable

Hispanic and Latino/a communities are among the most diverse communities in the world. We are comprised of various racial and ethnic groups and make up 62.1 million people in the United States, alone. The various groups that make up our demographic hail from cultures and histories that cannot be monolithically described. These differences are our strength. In recent years, debates over collective identity and terminology have resurfaced and taken center stage. This is the case with the use of the term Latinx/e. HECHO acknowledges how important it is to have conversation around self-identification that promotes diversity and justice. 

This is not the first-time identifiers used by our communities have been subject to scrutiny and debate. Historically, terms like Chicano/a or ‘la raza’ have been subject to controversy due to racialized and discriminatory use. Our perception of identifiers and the importance of them changes as our communities also change. While these discussions are at times uncomfortable, they allow members of our communities to claim and find their own agency. 

We recognize that, while some do not understand the rise and use of the terms Latinx and Latine, the use of Latinx/e is a lifeline to many. The origins of Spanish as an inherently gendered language leaves many of those in our community who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community in a difficult place. For these community members, the term Latinx and Latine offer an opportunity to feel connected to the greater demographic while affirming their identity beyond gendered language. 

Within our own organization, some who identify as queer strongly connect to the use of Latinx/e, as it makes them feel more strongly connected to their Latinidad while also recognizing their queerness. We acknowledge that HECHO's organizational name was created to connect our mission to our language.  As such, we will continue to use the term "Hispanic" in our communications and outreach. However, whether Hispanic, Latino, Latina, Latinx, or Latine, HECHO believes the right to self-identification is unquestionable.