Asking which term people of Hispanic or Latinx descent prefer is just as important as asking a person’s pronoun preference, according to Eau Claire City Councilwoman Catherine Emmanuelle.
Often the two are misused or used interchangeably in the media.
It’s also important to be aware that “Latinx,” a gender-neutral term, can be used in place of “Latino” or “Latina.”
Those who identify as Hispanic are of Spanish or Spanish-speaking origin. Latinx refers to those who are of Latin American origin. Latinx includes Brazilians who speak Portuguese. Mexican and Puerto Rican origin also falls under the Latinx term.
— Rachel Helgeson
Note: the main story, about the impact of the growing Hispanic/Latinx population, can be found by clicking here.