Honoring personal identities and applying gender neutral pronouns were just a few of the many things keynote speaker Jack Qu’emi, Afro-Latinx and non-binary femme, showed a passion in the keynote speech Thursday for Hispanic Heritage Month at the University of Idaho.
Qu’emi’s keynote address, “Honoring Identities & Building Our Futurex,” explained the difference between the terms “Latino/Latina/Latinx,” and the importance of inclusion and accepting personal identities in today’s culture.
Qu’emi began the speech by explaining the purpose of the gender-equal term, “Latinx.”
Qu’emi said “Latinx” is a relatively new term created to provide inclusion for someone who doesn’t necessarily fit into the binary terms of “Latino” or “Latina.”
“Latinx is literally just an ‘X’ over the letter that would make a gender,” Qu’emi said.
As a non-binary femme, Qu’emi said the gender-neutral term is something that has helped in Qu’emi’s own personal life.
“I think that the lack of a gender, being specifically unspecific and using terms to describe myself that are more general and vague fits me, because not only does it give me room to grow, but it gives me space to change my mind as I get older,” Qu’emi said. “That’s why I use words like ‘queer’ and ‘non-binary,’ as opposed to ‘gay’ or ‘transgender.’”
Providing personal experiences and opinions was a way Qu’emi was able to connect with the audience.
“I try to make it accessible and fun — these concepts don’t have to be so serious,” Qu’emi said.
After explaining the term “Latinx,” Qu’emi said the rest of the address was dedicated to open discussion, so people were able to ask questions they had regarding the subject.
Attendees including students and staff said they participated in the keynote address to gain a better understanding of the term “Latinx” and to hear Qu’emi speak.
“It seemed like a very interesting topic, and I have seen the term ‘Latinx’ written and I’ve never spoken with someone from the Latino community about, so I wanted to get that perspective,” said Moriah Lenhart-Wees, advising specialist for UI’s College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. “I thought Jack was very open and tried really hard to make the subject approachable so that everyone can ask questions, even if you’re new to this language.”
Qu’emi said the event went really well and it was a great time being in Idaho.
“I didn’t have any expectations, because depending on the audience, the topic and how they receive me as a person and when they finally see me, I think that’s what really makes it good or bad,” Qu’emi said. “Once the crowd’s warmed up, it was just fantastic and the questions were beautiful and everybody has just been really sweet.”
Savannah Cardon
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