What does being a Latina mean to you?
To me, being Latina means being proud to be specific about where I'm from, so it really means I'm proud to be a Chicana.
Share a struggle you have faced being a Latina.
Honestly, I never struggled with being Latina. I grew up all of my life with other Latinos. I went to a Latino schools. I grew up in Latino communities. I went to Latino churches... but I lived in the ghetto parts of Chicago which now they say "the hood." I lived in Little Village almost all my life but I never became what the streets are today. I grew up seeing what I never wanted to become, and I thank God for this. Then I lived in Mexico for 10 years.. what i can tell you is living in there was a struggle. The culture is so different than American Latinas.
Share something you love about being a Latina?
I love being a Latina, I have learned so much over the years. I’m a proud Mexican.
What do you identify as?
I’m half mexican and half Puerto Rican... but I’m more Mexican than anything.
Where you born in the states?: Yes, I was born and raised in Chicago..
How have you been able to celebrate and honor your American nationality, while embracing your heritage and culture?
Hahahahahahahaha now this has been a struggle because as a Latina you can celebrate both. I was able to live in two countries and try to celebrate both but it was hard. When I was living in Mexico, I was trying to live as an American and that was hard. I had to learn how to “be a Mexican”, and now that I came back to the U.S, it’s like I have to learn how to be an American Latina... but I am glad that I am able to do both!!!
Do you speak spanish?: Yes, fluently.
Have you experienced colorism, or not being fully accepted by your community? Like you're too dark, or too white, etc.
Latino communities always think I’m white until they see or hear my last name, or until they hear me speak Spanish. Since you know, white skin with curly hair can’t be Mexican?!? When I’m in a Mexican community they always say, “Oh yeah you’re Puerto Rican, you got that kinky hair!” I can never win!
