In recent years, the term “Latinx” has inspired debate as a gender-inclusive alternative to Latino or Latina. While some see it as a necessary step toward inclusivity, others argue it clashes with the natural flow of Spanish, a language built around gendered words. The debate shows how language — and identity — continue to evolve within the Hispanic community.
For many, Latinx represents visibility in a culture where gender has long shaped expression. “When we don’t have a word that really describes our unique identities, we tend to create those words,” Amanda Moreno, a BIHS English teacher at Berkeley High School, said. “So, I think Lantix is a great term.”
Supporters of the word say it challenges the patriarchal structures stuck in Spanish grammar. “Language has to be learned and adapted,” Moreno said. “Language is always evolving. As teachers, I think we want to use terms that feel as inclusive and encompassing as possible.”
Yet, not everyone feels connected to the term. Some argue that Latinx feels more like an American invention than something rooted in Latin American cultures. “I’ve never heard it used in South America,” BHS senior Clara Portnoy, who has family in Argentina, said. “I think it’s very beneficial for Americans, as it helps them open their horizons and be more accepting. But it doesn’t have to fit perfectly into Spanish grammar rules, and that’s fine.”
Despite their differences, many agree the intention behind Latinx, inclusion, is essential. “Whichever term makes people feel more accepted, that’s what matters,” Portnoy said. Inclusivity, for her, is about making sure that language makes space for everyone, especially those who don’t identify within the gender binary.
Generational differences also alter the conversation. Younger people often embrace Latinx or Latine as a symbol of progress, while older generations hesitate, finding it linguistically awkward. But, others see it as a change of the language’s nature. “If this term was born out of a need to feel seen — especially in a place where people historically haven’t felt seen — then I love that,” Moreno said.
Whether it’s Latinx, Latine, or traditional identifiers like Latino and Latina, this discussion exposes the community’s effort to balance identity and communication. Language continues to grow, not just to follow rules, but to highlight the people who speak it. “For me, it’s just about making people feel like they belong in a space,” Moreno said.