His-PANIC
The term "Hispanic" can elicit varied reactions—from pride to skepticism. However, have you ever played with the word "Hispanic," breaking it down into "His & Panic"? On the surface, it might seem like a quirky wordplay, but the phrase aptly captures a dichotomy within the Latinx community. On one side is the "His"—a traditional focus that often sidelines those who don't fit the cisheteronormative mold. On the other is the "Panic"—a collective unrest that has always driven Latinx communities, including queer and trans individuals, to challenge patriarchal norms and fight for their rights.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let's move beyond superficial acknowledgments. Instead, let’s lean into that "Panic," the restive energy that has long been central to challenging cisheteropatriarchy and advocating for everyone’s rights.
The "His" in Hispanic often unwittingly emphasizes a cisgender, heteronormative narrative. It's not that this narrative is irrelevant; it's that it's incomplete. For decades, mainstream celebrations have leaned into traditional family roles and values that, unfortunately, marginalize or even erase queer and trans Latinx people from the cultural tableau. But what if we could change the focus from "His" to "Ours," emphasizing the collective over the individual, the diverse over the normative?
The word "Panic" carries negative connotations, often linked to disorder or fear. But what if we reframe it as a form of collective awakening? Throughout history, queer, trans, and women Latinx folks have shaken up the norm, creating 'panic' within systems that sought to marginalize them. The Stonewall riots, Latin American feminist movements, and ongoing fights for reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ recognition in conservative Latinx countries—these are all manifestations of a revolutionary "Panic" that challenges patriarchal norms.
In shifting the focus from "His" to "Ours," we can't forget the pioneers who have been at the forefront of challenging cisheteronormative norms within the Latinx community. Icons like Sylvia Rivera, a trans woman of Venezuelan and Puerto Rican descent, who was crucial in the early days of the LGBTQ+ liberation movement, or the Mirabal Sisters, who stood up against a tyrannical regime in the Dominican Republic, should be elevated during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Whether it's fighting for reproductive rights in Latin America or rallying against femicide and domestic violence, Latinx people have been instrumental in challenging patriarchy. Recognizing their role, especially that of queer and trans people, is not a sideline issue but a central part of what Hispanic Heritage Month should encapsulate.
"His & Panic" is not just a play on words; it is a call to action. This Hispanic Heritage Month, let's reclaim the narrative to include the rich array of identities that make up the Latinx community. Let's redefine what it means to be part of this community by acknowledging the role of queer and trans individuals, as well as women, in shaping Latinx history and culture. Finally, let's channel our collective 'Panic' into continued activism against cisheteropatriarchy.
So, let the celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month not be just about 'His'-story, but 'Our'-story, written in the language of inclusivity, equality, and revolutionary love.