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I have to admit, I’m running on fumes right now—tired, grumpy, and struggling to get my words together, but I felt the need to talk about this: Latine Heritage Month is here, and I couldn’t be more excited. This is our time to highlight our stories, but the truth is, we don’t always feel it the way we should. Why? Because we’re still grappling with divisions within our own community.

Facing the Truth About Division

There’s something we don’t talk about enough—how our own community can divide itself. Those with darker skin are often pushed away, while others who don’t fit into a certain image or speak Spanish fluently are shunned. It’s something I hate to see, and it keeps us from being cohesive, from celebrating each other the way we should.

And this division is a big reason why we don’t see ourselves in the media as much as we should. I long for the day this changes because once it does, I know we’ll become more visible. Books, TV shows, movies, podcasts—you name it—will begin to reflect us in all our diversity. This is what we need, and I’m going to keep talking about it because it’s so important.

The Impact on Kids

When Latine kids can’t see themselves authentically portrayed, it chips away at their self-esteem. I know this because I see it. I hear it. These kids need to know that they matter, that they have a place in this society. We can’t just be the villains, the maids, or the side characters—we can be the heroes too, the ones leading the charge in the stories that shape our culture.

The sad truth is that we’re still the least represented group in media. And if there’s one thing kids consume most these days, it’s TV shows and movies. It’s disheartening to think about the impact that has on their sense of self.

Pushing for More Visibility

I’ve been working on creating more content this month to give visibility to Latina authors. I want their stories to be seen, read, and celebrated because they matter. Books from Latina authors need to be front and center during this time, and I’m here to help make that happen. Yes, I’m exhausted—this post itself is coming from a place of pure sleep deprivation—but I’m passionate, and that keeps me going.

Latine Heritage Month is about celebration, yes, but it’s also about pushing for the representation we deserve. And I’m not stopping until we get there.