In The Community
Can the struggles of our immediate family shape our own relationship with money?
Photo by Sai De Silva on UnsplashWomen of color, particularly Latinas, have a distinctly unique relationship with money and finances. If persistent challenge was involved, this bond can inextricably be linked to a trauma response, one that has been woven into the fabric of their identities over generations. This isn't just about struggling to make ends meet; it's about living with the shadows of a past fraught with financial hardships.
These women don't just grapple with the present financial realities; they also bear the weight of the collective experiences of their ancestors — stories of deprivation, struggle, and relentless pursuit of better opportunities. Generations of living in low-income circumstances, facing barriers to quality education, and having limited pathways to homeownership have left a deep-rooted legacy of financial anxiety.
Many Latinas, whether first-generation immigrants themselves or descendants of immigrants, deal with an added layer of challenges. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with a new country's financial systems, and a pervasive fear of being perceived as 'other' create additional hurdles. These obstacles aren’t just about assimilating into a new culture but also about navigating the socioeconomic disparities often accompanying immigrant status.
Embracing leadership while battling wage gaps
Nevertheless, as societal structures shift and evolve, more Latina women are stepping up as the primary earners for their families. The increasing prevalence of Latina ‘breadwinners’ underscores the critical role they play in their families' financial well-being. Yet, with this newfound responsibility comes the shadow of the Latina wage gap, an unjust discrepancy in earnings that highlights the racial and gender inequalities deeply rooted in the job market.
Latina women earn significantly less than their white male counterparts and even less when compared to women of other racial backgrounds. This wage gap is a testament to the systemic disparities in the workforce and adds to the financial pressures Latina women can feel.
Navigating professional spaces as a Latina woman often means confronting the wage gap and a range of challenges that impact mental and emotional well-being. Imposter syndrome, the persistent feeling that one doesn't belong or is undeserving despite evident success, is a common phenomenon among Latina professionals. This internalized self-doubt and external prejudices can lead to toxic work dynamics, further exacerbating the stress associated with financial responsibilities.How can we take steps towards better financial habits?
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on UnsplashUnderstanding the money struggles many Latina women have faced over generations is the first step. So, what can we do to feel better about our finances?
First, learning essential financial skills can make a big difference. Simple classes or online tutorials about budgeting and saving can help. It's also good to break the stigma around discussing personal finances and talk about money with friends or join groups where people share their financial wins and challenges. Finding a mentor, someone who's been there and can give advice can be a game-changer.
Another big step towards a brighter financial future is championing fairness in pay. When everyone gets paid fairly for their work, we all benefit. So, how can we make this happen? First, staying in the know is key. By understanding what people with skills like ours earn, we can better advocate for our worth. Voting plays a part, too, supporting those who fight for Latina equal pay in the political arena.
The Latina wage gap isn't just about numbers; it's rooted in deeper issues like discrimination, limited educational chances, and racial biases. This isn't a simple fix, but by supporting groups that push for equal pay and using social media to shine a light on these challenges, we can make a difference. It might feel like an uphill battle at times, but step by step, we can turn financial stress into a sense of empowerment and control.
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Angie Xtravaganza was born in New York City in the mid-1960s and grew up in an era of social change. Yet, like many transgender individuals, her childhood and adolescence were marked by a struggle with gender identity. She found herself living in a society that couldn't comprehend her feelings, but despite the adversities, her resilience shone through as she sought acceptance and respect for who she was.
Angie Xtravaganzawww.youtube.com
It was in the ballroom scene that Angie found her voice and her family. Originating in New York City, the ballroom culture provided a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those of color, who were ostracized from their homes and communities. Here, Angie found the House of Xtravaganza, one of the most famous "houses" or alternative families in the ballroom community. Angie quickly rose in the ranks to become the "Mother" of the House of Xtravaganza, the first Latina to hold such a position.
As "Mother" Xtravaganza, Angie led by example, setting standards for performance and personal conduct. Her house, under her leadership, went on to win several titles and accolades in the ballroom scene, creating a legacy that stands today. More importantly, Angie's role was that of a surrogate mother to young queer and transgender Latines, providing them with a support system when their own families turned them away.
Image Source: Angie Xtravaganza Facebook PageImage Source: Angie Xtravaganza Facebook Page
Angie's impact, however, extended far beyond the ballroom. She used her growing prominence to address the systemic issues plaguing the LGBTQ+ community, especially those related to queer and transgender people of color. She was instrumental in educating people about HIV/AIDS at a time when the disease was highly stigmatized and misunderstood. Her advocacy efforts were driven by her own experiences, as she saw many of her friends and "children" from the ballroom community succumb to the disease.
She was one of the key subjects in Jennie Livingston's documentary "Paris Is Burning" (1990), which brought the ballroom culture and the struggles of its community members to mainstream attention. Through this documentary, Angie became a visible figure representing transgender women of color, shattering stereotypes and raising awareness about their struggles in a society largely ignorant and indifferent to their reality.
David DePino Xtravaganza, Danni Xtravaganza, Mother Angie Xtravaganza, Jose Disla Xtravaganza in Details magazine October 1988. Source: Hector Valle XtravaganzaSource: https://granvarones.com/hector-valle-xtravaganza/
Angie Xtravaganza passed away in 1993, at the age of 28. Yet, her legacy continues to thrive. The House of Xtravaganza remains one of the most renowned houses in the ballroom community, embodying Angie's ideals of love, acceptance, and resilience.
Angie Xtravaganza was more than just a notable figure in the LGBTQ+ community; she was a trailblazer, an advocate, and a beacon of hope. She exemplified the strength inherent in embracing one's identity and used her platform to uplift others in her community. Her life serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and resilience of queer culture, particularly in the face of societal stigma and adversity. Today, as we celebrate the achievements and progress of the LGBTQ+ movement, we remember Angie Xtravaganza and the profound impact she had on countless lives.
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