Mapping and recontextualizing the evolution of the term Latinx: An environmental scanning in higher education

ABSTRACT

The term Latinx emerged recently as a gender-neutral label for Latino/a and Latin@. The purpose of this paper is to examine ways in which Latinx is used within the higher education context, and to provide an analysis of how the term can disrupt traditional notions of inclusivity and shape institutional understandings of intersectionality. Findings indicate a significant trend towards usage of Latinx in social media, and emerging use within higher education institutions. This paper is used to further the understandings of the use of the term Latinx, and to advocate for people that are living in the borderlands of gender.

KEYWORDS:

• Latinx
• intersectionality
• gender
• language
• higher education