September 15 through October 15 marks Latino/a/é Heritage Month – also known as Hispanic Heritage Month – which honors and celebrates the vibrant histories, cultures, languages, traditions, values, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The yearly observation began while the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and became a month-long celebration in 1988.
This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” which aims to highlight the Latino/a/é community’s spirit of unity, innovation, and resilience. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively.
Here at Fenway Health, we are grateful every day for the many Latino/a/é staff members, clients, patients, volunteers, and supporters that are part of our community. Their contributions and perspectives help drive Fenway’s mission: to advocate for and deliver innovative, equitable, accessible health care, supportive services, and transformative research and education and to center LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC individuals, and other underserved communities to enable our local, national, and global neighbors to flourish.
As we look to the future, it can be helpful to remember the past. Throughout history, Latino/a/é individuals have made significant contributions to American society in various fields, including politics, science, arts, sports, and activism. In the arts, Latino/a/é creators have enriched the cultural landscape with their unique perspectives and talents. LGBTQIA+ Latino/a/é people like Sylvia Rivera, Gloria Evangelina Anzaldúa, Dennis DeLeon, Frida Kahlo, and Pedro Zamora all made their mark on American History. People like Ricky Martin, Carmen Carrera, Michelle Rodriquez, Jennicet Gutiérrez, and Julio Salgado continue to advance intersectional visibility, culture, and activism.
Latino/a/é Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and significant contributions of the Latinx community. It is a reminder of the strength and resilience of a community that has helped shape the nation’s identity. As we honor this heritage, let us continue to foster understanding, embrace diversity, and work together towards a more inclusive future for all.
There are many great ways to celebrate Latino/a/é Heritage Month. A few include:
- Reading books by Latino/a/é authors, like the ones in this list from Boston University
- Watching films with Latino/a/é stories, or films featuring Latino/a/é actors
- Visiting a museum to learn more about Latino/a/é history or Latino/a/é artists
- Shop at Latino/a/é-owned businesses
- Taking part in community events and celebrations
Fenway Health believes our diversity is our strength, and by understanding and appreciating each other’s cultures, we build bridges of understanding and create a brighter future for all. We’d like to wish our entire Fenway Health community a joyful Latino/a/é Heritage Month!
A quick note about language:
The term “Hispanic” is used to describe people who speak Spanish or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations in, for example, Spain, Cuba, or Puerto Rico. The term “Latino/a/é” (also written as Latino/Latina/Latiné or Latino/a/é) is an inclusive, gender-neutral term that encompasses people of Latin American descent, regardless of whether they speak Spanish. (For example, most Brazilians speak Portuguese and would not be considered Hispanic, despite being in South America.) These distinctions have, at times, generated debate. Many people and organizations nonetheless use both words interchangeably.
Here’s a breakdown of each term:
- Latino: Traditionally used to refer to men or to a group of people where men are present. In many cases, it has been used as a general term for people of Latin American heritage, regardless of gender.
- Latina: Specifically refers to women of Latin American descent.
- Latino/a: This form is a shorthand way to include both masculine (Latino) and feminine (Latina) forms, often used in written language to be more inclusive.
- Latiné (or Latinoé): The use of the letter “e” as a gender-neutral alternative to “o” or “a” is a more recent development. It aims to be inclusive of non-binary, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming individuals, for whom “Latino” or “Latina” may not feel accurate.
- Latino/a/é: Combines all three forms to represent the full spectrum of gender identities within the Latin American community. It’s used to be as inclusive as possible in written and spoken language.
These terms reflect a growing awareness and respect for gender diversity and the importance of inclusive language in recognizing the identities of all people within the Latin American community.
There are many organizations and individuals who use term “Latinx,” which was introduced as a gender-neutral alternative to “Latino” and “Latina” in the mid-2000s, gaining popularity in academic, activist, and some media circles in the United States. It was intended to provide an inclusive term that acknowledges non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals within the Latin American community. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift away from using “Latinx” and towards Latino/a/é, Latino/Latina/Latiné, or Latino/a/é.
These terms are evolving and sometimes contested in their regular use and acceptance. For the time being, Fenway Health has begun using the term “Latino/a/é” to affirm the presence and experience of transgender and non-binary persons within this community.