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In 1968, California Congressman George E. Brown introduced Hispanic Heritage Week, which was put into law later that year. In 1987, California Representative Esteban E. Torres proposed expanding this week to a month-long observance, and Senator Paul Simon introduced a version of Torres’ bill signed into law in 1988. Observed from September 15-October 15 annually, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the rich history and cultural traditions of the American Latinx community.
In the sexual violence prevention movement, as in many other feminist movements, the voices of women holding other marginalized identities get overshadowed. Yet, it is these voices who take the movement forward, and who help our message and mission meet every person who needs it. That’s why, for this Hispanic Heritage Month, we are recognizing books by Latinx authors that feature sexual harassment, assault, and abuse. We know that all of these books not only contribute to a larger conversation about how sexual violence impacts the Latinx community, but also makes survivors feel seen, heard, and understood.
 The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Published in 1984, Mexican American author Sandra Cisneros wrote a series of vignettes in The House on Mango Street to tell a story about a Latina girl living in Chicago. While younger readers may not register these events due to the subtlety with which they are presented in the book, the protagonist is sexually assaulted twice. While recommending this book, Bustle remarks that in, “Tackling issues of race, poverty, and sexual assault, this book is a sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes joyous look into being a young girl and making a life with the odds stacked against you.”
Cisneros also founded the Macondo Writer’s Workshop, which is an association of writers committed to serving marginalized and under-resourced communities.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sánchez
Mexican-American author Erika Sánchez’s debut novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter tells a story about a girl who loses her sister to a tragic accident. The story deals with an array of issues, including sexual assault, depression, and suicidal ideation. Despite being a victim of book bans, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is still enjoying success, with actress and Time’s Up advocate America Ferrera currently working on adapting the novel for her directorial debut!
Mean by Myriam Gurba
Myriam Gurba’s identity as a queer, mixed-race Chicana is central to the experiences she wrote about in her memoir, Mean. The book discusses her experience with assault perpetrated by a man who went on to assault and murder others. In a Bomb Magazine review of the memoir, it says, “Reverberating throughout Mean is the awareness that no one is spared an unblemished life. We are all survivors and victims. Predators lurk in unsuspecting places. History is something none of us can erase.”
The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore
Mexican-American, queer, non-binary author Anna-Marie McLemore weaves a tale of magical realism in The Mirror Season about two teens, a queer Mexican American girl and a white boy, who become friends after being sexually assaulted at the same party. In a glowing review of this novel, The Nerd Daily says the following: “Lending assault survivors strength and compassion, The Mirror Season is a compulsively readable YA novel with haunting prose, heartbreaking moments, and a reminder to be kind to yourself, always.
We Believe You: Survivors of Campus Sexual Assault Speak Out by Annie E. Clark and Andrea L. Pino
Andrea L. Pino, queer daughter of Cuban refugees, co-authored We Believe You: Survivors of Campus Sexual Assault Speak Out with Annie E. Clark. In 2013, these two authors bravely came forward with their stories of sexual violence and “filed a federal complaint against the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) for mishandling such crimes; within a month, the U.S. government began to investigate UNC. Within a year, dozens of colleges were under federal investigation.” Highlighting voices and stories of all backgrounds, both authors created a work that dives into the reach and complexity of sexual violence on college campuses and the institutional failings that enable it. Their work continues beyond this book, as they both co-founded End Rape On Campus and work tirelessly in other spaces to spread awareness about this issue.
While Hispanic Heritage Month only happens once a year, stories of survivorship, strength, and resiliency are year-round. We look forward to seeing Latinx authors continue to address this topic and give power back to the survivors who haven’t gone public with their stories yet.
RALIANCE is a trusted adviser for organizations committed to building cultures that are safe, equitable, and respectful. RALIANCE offers unparalleled expertise in serving survivors of sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse which drives our mission to help organizations across sectors create inclusive environments for all. For more information, please visit www.RALIANCE.org.
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