10/04/2022
We’re in the middle of National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month and it took me a while to write this post. The way I feel about my Latina identity has changed a lot throughout my life. Growing up in Brazil, I never felt like the most typical Brazilian girl and this always made me feel a little out of place. I’m introverted, can’t dance and would often choose a good book over a big party.
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It wasn’t until I moved to the US, 18 years ago, that this started to change. As a non-hispanic Latina (we speak Portuguese in Brazil, which is similar to Spanish but not the same) at first I though it would be hard to mingle with the Hispanic community but it wasn’t hard at all. We quickly find comfort in our affinities and in all these years I was never made to feel different or less part of the community. Meeting Latinos from different countries, I discovered the wonderful details that make each Latin society it’s own. I fell in love with many of those details, like the colors and dramatic intensity of the Mexican culture, the amazing Cuban music and Peruvian food. I also noticed the big things that make us the same like the warm, personable vibe that Latinos - even the introverts - usually share. And I started to finally see how this culture is manifested in me… in my obsession with bright colors and bold patterns…need for comfortable, informal relationships… and I even started to enjoy big gatherings (still can dance though). It’s funny, but today I know that I’ve never felt my heritage more than after I left home.
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Felicidades para todos 💛💚🌹