They/Them

The realm of politics is not just about governments, policies, or political parties. It is also about identity, representation, and recognition. One of the most significant shifts in the past few years has been the increased visibility and recognition of diverse gender identities and the use of pronouns that reflect these identities. For many, pronouns like "they/them" have become tools of empowerment and representation, transcending traditional gender binaries.

However, for me, as a trans-Latinx person & transfronterizx, the adoption of they/them pronouns takes on a more profound meaning. It is not merely a matter of gender identity. It is about acknowledging and honoring the vast spectrum of experiences, histories, and identities that I carry within me.

By adopting the they/them pronouns, I am consciously positioning myself within this vast network of histories and narratives that often go unrecognized. Each "they" and "them" pronounces a powerful affirmation: that I am a sum of many parts, many stories, and many ancestors.

The fluidity of they/them pronouns allows me to embody and invoke multiple versions of myself. It recognizes that identity is not stagnant. Just as water flows and takes the shape of its container, our identities are shaped by our environments, experiences, and personal journeys.

This fluidity empowers me to acknowledge the multiplicities that inform my thinking and praxis. Whether it is the activist fighting for racial justice, the scholar deconstructing post-colonial narratives, a grandchild rooted in my grandma’s traditions, or the dreamer envisioning a more inclusive future – they/them encapsulates them all.

Using they/them pronouns is also a homage to the many versions of "me" that exist across time and space. It honors the ancestral women whose resilience and courage paved the way for me. It recognizes the "me" that navigates the complexities of the present world. And it invokes the future "me" – the hopes, dreams, and possibilities of what I can become.

In a way, these pronouns are a blueprint, constantly guiding and reminding me of where I come from, where I am, and where I am headed. They are a bridge, linking the multiple selves that exist within and outside the boundaries of time.

In the political arena, the discourse around pronouns has often been reduced to issues of correctness and inclusion. While these are undeniably important, for trans people of color, the significance may run deeper.

They/them pronouns are a testament to the multitudes we carry within us. They remind us that we are not just one story, one identity, or one experience. We are a constellation of stories, identities, and experiences. And by embracing this multiplicity, we find strength, inspiration, and a profound sense of belonging.