Latinx emerged as a response to the gender binary inherent in the Spanish language, which requires gender-specific nouns and pronouns. This practice is deeply ingrained in the language and has long been a source of frustration for non-binary and gender non-conforming people of Hispanic origin. Some argue that Latinx solves this linguistic problem. However, many Latin Americans find the term to be an imposition of non-Hispanic cultural values and a term that fails to respect and celebrate the linguistic and cultural nuances of Hispanic communities.
Author Archives: Juan Carlos Gonzalez Jr.
Juan Carlos (JC) Gonzalez, Jr. is a health equity researcher, advocate, and Public Voices Fellow of The OpEd Project and AcademyHealth.
JC is currently serving at the Institute of Global Health Equity at Meharry Medical College. Originally from Miami, JC graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in Complex Health Systems.
JC’s research focuses on health policy, determinants of health, and leveraging technology to define equitable health data practices.
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COMMENTARY: Third-generation son of Cuban immigrants still fights drug war
The criminal justice system in the United States is in dire need of reform – for many reasons – but mental health remains among the top. Understanding the relationship between mental health and the criminal justice system is key to driving equitable policy practices that can improve health outcomes and reduce inequities faced by so many. Prisons and jails in the United States incarcerate a disproportionate number of people, including Latinos and Black people, with a current or past mental health problem. Many facilities are not equipped to treat these conditions.