I love this honest telling of this dilemma for those of us, especially of color, who struggle to know how we should or could identify. For me, there was a pride in being Hispanic that morphed into a shame in it — less shame, really, than a desire just to fit in like “normal” kids. No jokes about my family loading up double-digits in cars, or poking fun at the Mexican polka my grandfather listened to. About tortillas in my lunchbox instead of Wonder bread. One of the most beautiful moments in growing up like this is when you begin to see yourself as something not as easily categorized — but also fully aware of the categories that apply to you.

Thank you for this. It helps me become more aware of my own journey. Beautifully written. I’ll be following your work.