Latina. Raised White. Unaccepted by all.
Desiree Carlson, Elmhurst, IL. Both my mother and I grew up in white culture even though we are both from ‘Hispanic’ descent. But because we...
You don’t look Latina at all!
Maria Victoria Salazar, Mobile, AL. Hi! My heritage is a little more complicated than others’, especially here in the Deep South. I have roots in...
No you’re NOT Latina, YOU’RE white.
Karen Davis, Cupertino, CA. Recently, I was told by my closest friends that I am NOT latina I am white. I can not understand this...
My name is Eve, not Eva.
Eve Lopez, Arcata, CA. When I tell people my name, they don’t hear it. They hear “Eva,” because of the “a” that is often at...
Adopted. Raised as white. No identity.
Anonymous Kennewick, WA Being Latina, with a white name, but in knowledge of my Latino surname. I try to be supportive of my friends with...
Always check “White, Non-Hispanic origin” box
Jay Marie Fernandez, Bridgeport, CT. With white skin, being of Hispanic origin, in a household that did not speak Spanish, in a predominantly Spanish speaking...
The Mirror Reminds me I’m Latina
Silvia. My Salvadorian mother came to the United States and wanted us to assimilate. We spoke English in the house and most of my mom’s...
Being Latina doesn’t make it easier
Zulema Peralta-Saltos, North Hampton, MA. People believe that being Latina gives you a higher advantage at getting into college, graduate programs, internships, and jobs. I...
She is not a token Latina
Leslie Carver San Diego, CA I am a professor & was profoundly affected when I heard a student talk about having been referred to as...
You don’t look Latina, prove it.
Victoria Oliva Medford, MA As a light-skinned Latina born to a Guatemalan immigrant father and a mother of French-Canadian descent, I find myself searching for...
Which race box do I check?
Holly Thompson Grand Rapids, MI I am half Puerto-Rican and half Scottish, but definitely all people see is “white.” I am constantly struggling with pride...
Time to use my “white” voice
Susan Cissoko Provo, UT In order to be as professional as I can be in the work place I feel I have to put my...
