The use of the term Latinx has sparked important conversations around gender identity, cultural identity, and inclusivity, especially within the U.S. Latino and Hispanic communities. As you pointed out, non-binary and gender nonconforming individuals are more likely to embrace Latinx because it offers a way to express gender outside of the traditional male/female dichotomy. This is a crucial factor in understanding why the term has found a place among certain groups, particularly those looking for a more inclusive label.
Differences Between "Latino" and "Hispanic":
Latino (or Latina) generally refers to people from Latin America, or those with Latin American ancestry, regardless of their language. This term focuses on geography and culture.
Hispanic, on the other hand, refers to people who come from or have ancestors from Spanish-speaking countries, which includes Spain as well as Latin American nations. The term emphasizes language rather than geographic origin.
These distinctions are subtle but important because individuals might identify more strongly with one term over the other depending on their connection to either Latin American or Spanish heritage.
Who Uses "Latinx"? As you summarized, the term Latinx tends to be more common among:
Younger generations: Those under 30, especially in the U.S., where the term has been increasingly popularized through social media, academic discourse, and activism.
College-educated individuals: Those with higher education tend to be more exposed to discussions about inclusivity and social justice, making them more likely to adopt terms like Latinx.
Urban dwellers: People living in more diverse, metropolitan areas are more likely to encounter progressive language and multicultural environments, contributing to the popularity of Latinx.
Politically progressive or liberal individuals: Those who align with progressive values, including gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, are often more inclined to adopt the term Latinx as part of their advocacy for inclusivity.
Gender nonconforming or non-binary individuals: For these individuals, the gender-neutral "x" in Latinx provides a way to express identity that is not limited to the traditional gender binary.
Adoption Challenges: Despite its growing use in some circles, the term Latinx has not been widely embraced across the broader Latino or Hispanic population. Many still prefer the traditional terms, like Latino or Latina, because they feel a stronger connection to those labels or find Latinx unnecessary or unnatural in the context of the Spanish language, where gender is a deeply ingrained feature of grammar. Additionally, some older generations, or those with more conservative views, may view Latinx as a more recent, foreign concept that doesn't resonate with their cultural traditions.
As you mention, the future of Latinx will likely continue to evolve as social and cultural changes unfold, and generational shifts influence the broader Latino community's relationship with language and identity.
Overall, Latinx serves as a case study in how language adapts to reflect changing social norms and the push for greater inclusivity, even as not all members of the community may fully embrace it.