Latina Liberation: Leadership and Empowerment through a Queer, Radical Feminist Lens

Maria Saldana, Dharma Santos, Jessica Trochez, B.A., B.S.

Date & Time: Sat 02/22/2020 12:00 – 01:00 PM

Location: La Casita event room

Abstract:

Three queer Latina scholar-activists engage in meaningful and transparent dialogue about their experiences as Latinas attending a historically white institution. Delving into Black Feminist Theory and Queer Latinx Theory as the root of their scholarship and activism, these scholars welcome the community of Gainesville and University of Florida to discuss how they navigate their intersecting identities in academia. Along with sharing their personal narratives from an intersectional and social justice lens, they propose about the necessity of Latina visibility in intellectual spaces and how it is tied to Latina empowerment and representation. Analyzing how Latina sexualities are represented and lived, these scholars will also deconstruct the stereotypes and social constructions that Latinas have historically endured; they also reflect on the impact of these obstacles in their lives. As such, they discuss the urgency to create a space for Latinas in predominantly white communities, such as the University’s campus, to freely and safely discuss issues pertaining to Latinas. They evaluate the impact of their intensive work as scholar-activists to promote Latina collectivism and to navigate discussions on race, immigration status, sexual orientation, academia, networking, and mentorship. With doing so, they highlight how Latina representation and collectivism will encourage and hold an affirming space for other Latinas which is crucial to the intellectual liberation of Latinas and their wellness.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess what it means to be a “Latina” at historically white institutions and what it means to hold intersecting identities.
• Describe Latina empowerment and leadership through intersectional and transnational lenses.
• Discuss the ways that collective liberation is put in practice as a Latina scholar/professional.

Links:

For a link to our outline, please click here.

For a link to our presentation, please click here.