Against homogenizing Latinidad and indigeneity: a Chicana’s reflexión on thickening solidarities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a roadmap for learning more deeply about intragroup differences within Latinidad to foster solidarity. It addresses the erasures of indigeneity and other differences within Latinidad, offering commentary and reflections on how to critically examine Latinidad. Design/methodology/approach Through the example of a Chicana’s autohistoria-teoria and poetic inquiry on her learning about diversity within Latinidad, this article uses three narrative moments to unpack Latinidad and its limits in relation to indigeneity. Specifically, I draw on over seven years of deepening relationality with Maya Mam communities through research collaborations and teaching to examine the unruliness of Latinidad. I analyze these moments through the framework of thick solidarities. Findings Through the autohistoria-teoria and poetic inquiry, I highlight the tensions, opportunities and incommensurabilities of Chicana solidarity with Maya Mam communities. The author critiques perspectives that homogenize both Latinidad and indigeneity as singular identities. This paper does not attempt to resolve the complexities of Latinidad but instead offers one approach for deepening solidarity despite differences. Originality/value This study uniquely weaves together autohistoria-teoria with poetic inquiry to investigate the moments of tension and opportunity within Latinx communities, highlighting the deep and ongoing learning that must take place to foster solidarity with others; by centering deep understanding, providing an example for thinking about and teaching Latinidad in schools and research.