LatinX

Latinx is a gender-neutral umbrella term used to refer to people of Latin American origin or heritage. In Anglophone contexts it is often presented as an inclusive alternative to Latino or Latina, which are gendered in Spanish and do not explicitly cover nonbinary identities.

Origin and usage: The term emerged in the United States in the early 2000s within academic and activist circles and gained broader visibility in the 2010s amid discussions of gender, immigration, and linguistic inclusivity. Its meanings and acceptability vary among communities; some use Latinx to signal inclusion of nonbinary individuals, while others prefer gendered terms or Spanish-language alternatives.

Variants and alternatives: Related terms include Latino/Latina and the plural Latinos/Latinas, as well as Latine and Latin@. Hispanic is a broader umbrella that emphasizes cultural or linguistic ties rather than gender. Latine has gained traction in some Spanish-speaking communities as a more phonologically Spanish-friendly alternative to Latinx.

Controversies and reception: Acceptance is uneven. Some Latinos/Latinas and Latin American scholars criticize Latinx as unnecessary, awkward in Spanish, or a term promoted in non-Latin contexts. Critics also argue it can obscure Indigenous or Afro-Latinx identities and that it is not widely used in many Latin American countries. Proponents argue it improves inclusivity for nonbinary people and others marginalized by binary gender terms.

Demographics and usage in the United States: The US Latinx population numbers about 62 million people (Hispanic or Latino origin) as of the 2020 census, roughly 18% of the total population. Usage of Latinx varies by region, generation, and social group; many people still prefer Latino/Latina or Spanish-language terms.

Latinx remains a contested term with no universal acceptance, reflecting ongoing discussions about language, identity, and inclusion within Latino communities in the United States and beyond.