In The Community
In the spotlight of Hollywood, where image and perception often hold the reins of success, many Latino artists and actors have found it necessary to "whitewash" their names. This practice, which involves changing their typically ethnic-sounding names to ones that are more anglicized, has been prevalent for decades. But what is the reasoning behind it?
Striving for Universal Appeal
At its core, the decision to adopt a more anglicized name often springs from the desire to appeal to a broader, more global audience. Hollywood, as an industry, has traditionally catered to English-speaking markets, and actors with names that are easier for this demographic to pronounce and remember have often found more success.
Take, for example, Guatemalan-American actor Oscar Isaac, born Óscar Isaac Hernández Estrada, who has spoken about his decision to shorten his name. Isaac has shared that adopting a "whiter" stage name allowed him to avoid being typecast in stereotypical Latino roles, thus enabling him to compete for a wider array of characters.
Breaking Down Stereotypes
Another factor that has driven Latine actors and artists to anglicize their names is the fight against Hollywood stereotypes. Latine actors have historically been pigeonholed into specific roles, often as gangsters, maids, or exotic temptresses. By adopting a more anglicized name, many have sought to escape these narrow, limiting stereotypes.
Richard Valenzuela, better known as Ritchie Valens, the rock n' roll pioneer best known for "La Bamba," anglicized his name to broaden his appeal and navigate the music industry's racial dynamics in the 1950s. His choice was largely a survival strategy in a predominantly white industry.
Conforming to Industry Norms
Hollywood has been known for its rigid and often discriminatory norms, and these have historically extended to the domain of names as well. For many Latino artists, adopting an anglicized name has been a way to conform to these norms and enhance their chances of success.
Take the example of Lynda Carter, the actress known for her iconic role as Wonder Woman. Although she is of Mexican descent on her mother's side, her decision to use her father's anglicized last name instead of her mother's (Cordova) may have been influenced by the industry's biases.
A similar story can be found in the life of silent film actress Anita Page, born Anita Evelyn Pomares. Page, who was of Salvadoran descent, rose to stardom in the 1920s, a time when being Latino was not widely accepted in Hollywood. By adopting a more anglicized name, she navigated around the ethnic prejudices of her time.
Regrettably, this recurring occurrence has plagued numerous Latino celebrities repeatedly, as exemplified in Pulso's enlightening series, "Unlocking Our History."Beyond Hollywood: Have you ever mispronounced your own name?
This phenomenon of "whitewashing" names extends beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Many of us, in our daily lives, may find ourselves altering our names, even subconsciously, to fit into a certain cultural context or to make it “easier” for others. We might shorten a long name, adopt an anglicized nickname, or even use a different pronunciation that sounds less ethnic.
These decisions often stem from a desire to assimilate, to avoid standing out, or even to avoid the discomfort of having our names mispronounced. But while these choices might seem inconsequential, they can subtly reinforce the idea that certain names, and by extension, certain cultures, are "other" or outside the norm.
Remembering the importance of our names is a step towards countering this. Our names are a fundamental part of our identity. They carry our heritage, our family history, and our cultural identity. They connect us to our roots and give us a sense of belonging. By honoring our names in their original form, we not only assert our individuality but also contribute to the broader cultural diversity and richness of our societies.
The practice of anglicizing names, whether in Hollywood or in our daily lives, underscores a need for greater acceptance and celebration of cultural diversity. Just as we're moving towards a world where actors no longer feel the need to anglicize their names, we should strive for a society where everyone feels comfortable using their real names, in all their unique, unaltered beauty.
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Cinema powerfully reflects and shapes society, with queer cinema pushing boundaries and advocating for diversity. When blended with the rich diversity of Latine culture, it births an enlightening and varied cinematic journey.
At Luz, we champion these less-explored narratives and unheard voices. Today, we present a handpicked list of films that fuse queer narratives with Latine creativity, spanning stirring coming-of-age stories to compelling dramas, all poised to inspire, move, and provoke thought.
Mosquita y Mari (2012)
Image Credit: IMDB
Directed by the gifted Aurora Guerrero, "Mosquita y Mari" is a coming-of-age tale that brings to life the complexities of adolescence, identity, and blossoming queer romance. The film's protagonists, Yolanda, an excellent student, and Mari, a rebellious newcomer, meet as high school friends in their Huntington Park neighborhood in Los Angeles. Their relationship evolves, subtly and authentically, eventually challenging their traditional expectations of friendship and compelling them to reflect on their ambitions and dreams.
A Fantastic Woman (2017)
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Directed by Sebastián Lelio, "A Fantastic Woman" is a Chilean film that tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman who faces prejudice and discrimination after her partner's death. The film is notable for its delicate handling of transgender identity and for its lead, Daniela Vega, a trans woman, adding authenticity and depth to the character. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, reinforcing its critical and cultural significance.
The Garden Left Behind (2019)
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"The Garden Left Behind" is a sensitive and thought-provoking film directed by Flavio Alves. This independent film centers around Tina, a young, undocumented Mexican trans woman, as she navigates her daily life in New York City. As Tina struggles with societal acceptance and battles the bureaucracy of healthcare, she finds strength in her community and her relationship with her grandmother. "The Garden Left Behind" provides a rare look into the lives of undocumented, transgender, and immigrant communities, offering a nuanced depiction of resilience and identity.
Sand Dollars (2014)
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Co-directed by Laura Amelia Guzmán and Israel Cárdenas, "Sand Dollars" is a nuanced drama exploring a transactional queer relationship. The film focuses on Noeli, a young Dominican woman and tourist escort, involved in a complex relationship with an older French woman, Anne. Amidst the power dynamics and emotional complexities, Noeli plans to use Anne to secure a visa to reunite with her mother in Barcelona. Based on Jean-Noel Pancrazi's novel, the film stands as a unique addition to queer, Latine cinema with its impending sequel, "Noelí Overseas".
XXY (2007)
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Directed by Argentine author, screenwriter, and film director Lucía Puenzo, “XXY” explores the rarely depicted life of an intersex teenager. Inés Efron stars as Alex, a 15-year-old intersex person living in Uruguay as a girl, suppressing her masculine features with medication. As Alex navigates the complexities of her identity amidst societal pressures and her mother's desire for her to get sex reassignment surgery, she starts a relationship with the son of a visiting surgeon. The film is a poignant critique of the need to conform to social norms and how parents’ need to define their children by a specific gender can be more harmful than supportive. These topics are still relevant today. This wouldn’t be the last time Puenzo explores queer experiences through her work, which brings us to…
The Fish Child (2009)
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In “The Fish Child,” Lucía Puenzo continues her exploration of queer themes with a thrilling narrative. The film stars Inés Efron as Lala, a wealthy girl who gets involved in a murder that threatens to incriminate her and her girlfriend, Ailin. As they plan to escape to Paraguay, their journey becomes a tense fight against societal injustices and personal secrets. Combining film noir with magical realism, “The Fish Child” touches on themes like class, abuse, and misogyny, with a focus on the resilience of the lesbian couple at the center of it.
Extra-Terrestrials (2016)
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Puerto Rican director and screenwriter Carla Cavina's “Extra-Terrestrials” is a sci-fi dramedy featuring one of the first same-sex couples in Puerto Rican cinema. Teresa, played by Marisé Álvarez, returns home to Puerto Rico with her partner Daniela, aiming to reveal her sexuality to her family. The film dives into the secrets and complexities within Teresa's family, highlighting the universal struggle for acceptance and connection that many LGBTQ+ people go through, especially within Latino culture.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023)
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Directed by Cuban Aitch Alberto, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is a touching coming-of-age story set in 1987 in El Paso, Texas. The film follows two Latino boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they explore their feelings for each other amidst societal and internalized homophobia. Alberto did a wonderful job at capturing the tender, profound emotions of self-discovery and the challenges of being Latine and queer in the 1980s.
In the shared language of emotion and empathy, cinema has the power to unite diverse experiences. These films represent an important segment of queer, Latine-directed cinema, each offering a unique lens into the realities of queer lives within the Latine context. As the world of cinema grows more inclusive and diverse, we look forward to more such narratives that continue to break barriers and celebrate the diversity of the human experience.
Pride Month is one of the most vibrant and exciting times of the year. The entire world lights up as the LGBTQ+ community comes out in full force and unapologetically celebrates who they are. If you want to celebrate Pride Month and also learn something in the process about queer Latino experiences, what better way than by diving into queer Latino media? Whether you’re in the mood for a book, a movie, or a TV show, we got you! Here are 10 must-read, must-watch picks to add to your Pride Month itinerary:
"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Image credit: Editorial Simon & Schuster
This beautifully written coming-of-age novel follows the story of two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they navigate the challenges of growing up, friendship, and falling in love. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is a tender exploration of identity, family, and self-acceptance, so it will open your eyes to many aspects of the queer experience. It also has a 2022 movie adaptation directed by Cuban Aitch Alberto that you can watch when you’re done!
"Brief Story from the Green Planet" (2019)
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Speaking of movies, “Brief Story from the Green Planet” is the first one on the list. Directed by Argentine filmmaker Santiago Loza, this is a sci-fi adventure movie that follows Tania, a transgender woman who recently lost her beloved grandmother and is grieving. Soon after this sad news, she accidentally discovers that her grandmother was hosting an alien at her home. With the help of two friends, Tania goes on the journey of returning the alien where it belongs. The characters are vulnerable and resilient, and the movie presents a metaphor that’s for viewers to unravel for themselves.
“Juliet Takes a Breath” by Gabby Rivera
Image credit: Editorial Riverdale Avenue Books
The next book on the list is written by Gabby Rivera and it’s a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story about a gay Latina from the Bronx. The book follows Juliet as she grapples with her identity and goes on a journey of self-discovery when she interns for a feminist writer she admires. Juliet’s journey in “Juliet Takes a Breath” is a raw portrayal of intersectionality, feminism, and queer identity. It’s an important read not only for queer Latinos but also for people who want to understand queer experiences a bit better.
"Gentefied" (2020-2021)
Image credit: Netflix
If you’re in the mood for binging a good show, “Gentefied” has two seasons you can dive into. This is a dramedy show that follows three Mexican-American cousins in East Los Angeles as they navigate the challenges of gentrification, family, and their own identities. The show includes queer storylines, notably featuring Ana, a queer artist who struggles to balance her passion with her family's expectations. It’s an enjoyable show that will make you laugh but it also delivers important messages about life, family, love, and the Latino experience.
"The Grief Keeper" by Alexandra Villasante
Image credit: Editorial Putnam
Written by Alexandra Villasante of Uruguayan descent, “The Grief Keeper” is a YA novel that follows Marisol, a Salvadoran refugee who agrees to participate in a secret government experiment to keep her sister safe. The experiment consists of becoming a grief keeper, someone who takes another person’s grief into their own body to save a life. It’s a risky experiment, but Marisol didn’t expect that one of the risks would be falling in love. It's a powerful story about trauma, love, queer love, and the lengths we'll go to protect the people we love.
"Vida" (2018-2020)
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“Vida” is a must-watch that will make you feel and also break you a little. Created by Tanya Saracho, a talented Mexican-American actress, playwright, dramaturge, and screenwriter, “Vida” draws inspiration from the short story “Pour Vida” by Richard Villegas Jr. This Starz series is boldly queer with elements of magical realism and it follows the journey of Emma (Mishel Prada) and Lyn (Melissa Barrera) as they return to their Boyle Heights home after their mother's death. Their return forces them to confront their past and how much they’ve changed since they left. At its core, Vida is about peeling back the layers to discover our true selves, making it quite relatable. It only has two seasons, so it's perfect for a good TV show binge session.
“They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera
Image credit: Harper Collins Publishers
Written by Adam Silvera of Puerto Rican descent, “They Both Die at the End” is a YA, LGBTQ+ novel that follows Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio as they face their final day on Earth. They don’t want to spend it on their own, so they use an app to search for people to share their last few precious hours alive and they find each other. It’s a groundbreaking story about two Latino gay boys and the power of love, which is very important to highlight in the Latino community as it sometimes struggles with LGBTQ+ acceptance.
"The Firefly" (2015)
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“The Firefly” is known as the first Colombian movie ever made about lesbians. Even though it’s a bit of an oldie, it’s worth a watch. It’s a romance, fantasy, and drama film directed by Colombian director, screenwriter, and producer Ana Maria Hermida. “The Firefly” follows Lucia who has been married to a banker for 4 years but she’s just not happy. One day, she gets the news that her estranged brother died in a car accident on his wedding day. Lucia visits her brother’s grieving fiancée, Mariana, and they strike up an unexpected bond that soon turns romantic. Will she continue in a loveless marriage or be with Mariana? It’s quite an exploration of grief, coming to terms with one’s identity, and love.
“Loving in the War Years” by Cherrie Moraga
Image credit: South End Press
Cherrie Moraga is a Chicana writer, feminist, and activist who published “Loving in the War Years” in 1983, a time when gay Chicano identities were being censored. It’s a classic Chicano feminist work that explores themes like Chicano identity, white-passing privilege, LGBTQ+ identity and unapologetically embracing it, feminism, and solidarity with women of color. It’s a classic for a reason and it has been a validating read for countless Chicanos since its publication.
"Love, Victor" (2020-2022)
Image credit: IMDB
Last but not least, “Love, Victor” is a teen comedy-drama inspired and set in the same world as “Love, Simon,” the 2018 movie. “Love, Victor” follows Victor, a teen of Puerto Rican and Colombian descent who’s struggling with his sexual orientation. While “Love, Simon” deals with the struggles of coming out to others when you’re not ready, “Love, Victor” deals with coming to terms with your sexuality and navigating the challenging aspects of that. It has 3 seasons you can binge and you’ll definitely enjoy Simon’s journey.