Widening Our Understanding of the LatinX Community

Publication Date: Oct 1, 2021

What does the term LatinX mean to you? How does it foster a wider sense of inclusivity, and inform more equitable patient care? Letycia Nunez-Argote, MPH, CPH, MLS(ASCP)^CM, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas, and here, shares her thoughts on these questions and more.

What is the significance of using the term LatinX, instead of Latino or Hispanic?
To me, LatinX shows a hope for inclusivity by calling attention to the contributions to the United States that those of us whose roots are in one or several of the many countries in the Central, South and Caribbean Americas. It is still a label meant to put people in boxes, and creating a monolith such as "The LatinX Community'' dilutes and homogenizes a very diverse cultural and enthnic group. So long as it is empowering and used in a respectful way, I think LatinX promotes belonging, especially but not exclusively for those of younger generations.

What does it mean to YOU to be LatinX?
When I check the Hispanic/LatinX box, I think of my Mexican ancestry and how Mexicans fit into this broader category. Being LatinX means I have a connection to all those people who grew among some of the same smells, sounds, and flavors of my childhood. As LatinX I identify stories and narratives that are common and find my place in the shared struggles of this community.

Tell us about navigating being the first. Is it a lonely road to follow?
Sometimes being first and the only one can be very lonely. It is very lonely to be the first and the only one who sounds like me, looks like me, and has my cultural experience. But you have to look around and start connecting with people who share some part of this experience with you. I may be the only LatinX but I may not be the only woman, or the only person from a minority group, or the only immigrant, or the only person who grew up in a multigenerational household. You have to look around and start making those connections. That way it is not as lonely.

How can the health professionals widen their understanding about LatinX communities?
I would invite every health professional to keep an open mind and remember that, regardless of the political and cultural labels, LatinX people are all just people. Every person who seeks your care trusts that you will do everything you can to make them better. I want health professionals to know that the trust we place in you is guided by our faith, our prior experiences in life and those of our parents. If our family was mistreated and marginalized by the health care system in the past, it will take a bit (or a lot) more effort on your part to gain our trust. And without this trust, your knowledge and skills as healers and caregivers will have minimal impact. But once you do take the time to build trust, you can become part of the family, and we will place our care in your hands. So please stay patient, be respectful and know we want your help, your talents and your craft in keeping us healthy, and in healing our bodies and our minds.

Watch this page for more Q&As with Latinx leaders from the pathology and laboratory medicine community.

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