Queering Latinidad: Latinx Politics Beyond Nativity

Abstract

Much debate surrounds the emergence of the term "Latinx." While some have argued against its usage, others have deeply embraced it as a way of representing the gender diversity found within the Latina/o community. Yet, these arguments do not transcend the boundaries of gender to include other facets of identity subverted within the concept of Latinidad. This project seeks to extend the boundaries of Latinx to include other areas of identity that are inherent parts of being a Latino in the United States, including sexuality, African roots, indigeneity, among others. This dissertation seeks to understand whether our rigid conceptualization of Latinidad affected our understanding of Latino Politics. To investigate this complex question, I designed a mixed-method community engaged study. Utilizing the 2016 Collaborative Multiracial Post-election Survey (CMPS 3) (N= 10,145) and the national qualitative study the Queering Latinidad Project (N=24), I explore how gender and sexuality affect Latinx political behavior, public opinion, labor force participation, and identity. Analyses of both quantitative and qualitative data reveal that gender and sexuality do indeed influence various facets of Latinx identities and politics. I argue for the need for a more holistic understanding of Latina/o/x communities in social science. As the processes of homogenization further subvert various facets of identity, we obscure important differences found within Latina/o/x communities.

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