September marks the start of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. If you’re writing characters who are Latine/x and/or Hispanic, check out TTIE’s factsheet for tips on accurate representation. A few things we’d like to see more of in storytelling:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): Those in medical, scientific, and engineering fields to better reflect the actual workforce and provide role models for future generations.
- Indigenous and Afro Latinxs: Indigenous and Afro Latinx communities, characters, and stories that reflect their unique experiences (e.g., more positive portrayals as well as stories depicting the racism/colorism that exists from other segments of Latinx communities).
- Cultural / Ethnic Specificity: Characters with specific ethnic backgrounds. There are countless differences across Latinx communities including the type of Spanish and/or Indigenous/Native language and idiomatic expressions used and the cultural customs and traditions shared.
Find the factsheet here and read more about TTIE’s work at writeinclusion.org.
