In this op-ed, Isabella Gomez examines why we need more Latinx stories represented at the Emmys.

The 2018 Emmy Awards are almost here. Even before the ceremony, this year’s television picks have already broken records for recognizing more diverse casts and talent than ever before. Many actors of color are finally receiving the nominations they deserve, already racking up historic wins, and pushing Hollywood to pass the mic to those who need it. But as we celebrate the leaps we’re making when it comes to on-screen representation, one thing is hard to ignore: there's a lack of Latinx stories when it comes to the list of nominations. And while there are a variety of Latinx characters and storylines that could be recognized, their absence from the awards show prevents us from brightening the spotlight on the spectrum of experiences that exist within Latinx communities.

The Emmy nominations aren't totally vacant of Latinx people. A handful of Latinx actors were nominated for Emmys this year along with a number of writers, musicians, and other roles behind the camera. But only several of the nominated actors are in roles where they're actually Latinx, such as John Leguizamo portraying Jacob Vazquez in Waco and Lin-Manuel Miranda playing himself during his guest spot on Curb Your Enthusiasm. These nominations are a good start for representation of Latinx people as actors, but it's only a baby step in the right direction. Seeing Latinx people nominated is only the beginning; actually hearing and celebrating their stories is the goal.

According to the Pew Research Center, the Latinx population in the United States reached nearly 58 million in 2016 and accounts for 18% of the nation's population. The group makes up half of the country's population growth since 2000 and is the second-fastest-growing racial or ethnic group. Meanwhile, a recent study found that Latinas only make up 2.8% of all speaking roles across cable, broadcast, and streaming network programming. The disparity between what the actual population numbers are versus what is presented on television is staggering.

It could be argued that because there are such few Latinx people presented in popular culture, that the Television Academy picking the Emmy winners might have trouble finding worthwhile nominees. And even if there aren't many to choose from, it doesn't mean that television is completely devoid of showcasing the multitude of the Latinx community. Shows including One Day at a Time and Jane the Virgin boast talented casts illustrating a variety of experiences that Latinx people can identify with. The shows have tackled issues such as navigating the immigration system, younger generations grappling with keeping traditions like quinceañeras alive, encouraging abuelas to be a little more open-minded about sexuality in today’s world, and more. Gina Rodriguez has also been acknowledged for her role in the past, having been nominated for three Golden Globes over the years and winning one back in 2015. Many were hoping that she'd finally nab an Emmy nod this year, but it also appears that the show's Emmy campaign money was being put toward another important cause.

JANE THE VIRGIN, l-r: Andrea Navedo, Gina Rodriguez, Ivonne Coll in 'Chapter Thirty-Eight' (Season 2, Episode 16, aired March 28, 2016). ph: Danny Feld/©The CW Network/courtesy Everett Collection©CW Network/Courtesy Everett Collection

Additionally, there continues to be more shows entering the television landscape that put Latinx characters front and center. Netflix’s On My Block shows inner-city Latinx kids trying to make it through high school, depicting a coming-of-age story for Latinx youth. Then there's Starz’s Vida, which has been highly-lauded for exploring the taboos of being queer within Latinx culture. Coming soon to television this fall is the reboot of Charmed, which will be helmed by a trio of Latinx sisters with magical powers. And the upcoming Spanish-language series Elite is already creating major buzz.

Beyond this slew of Latinx-fronted shows, there are also other Latinx characters that are cornerstones of their series. That includes Stephanie Beatriz's Rosa on hit comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine and America Ferrera's role as Amy on Superstore, a show that included a storyline earlier this year where she was deemed not "Latina enough."

These are all struggles many of us are familiar with, and showcasing them on television not only tells us we’re not alone, but it allows us to find the humor and encouragement we desperately need when dealing with these situations. And we can't stop there. Even the shows we do have don't encompass all of the varied identities that exist within Latinx communities; we are especially lacking in representation of Afro-Latinx, LGBTQIA, and Indigenous peoples' experiences.

ONE DAY AT A TIME, from left: Justina Machado, Rita Moreno, Marcel Ruiz, Isabella Gomez, 'Roots', (Season 2, Episode 204, aired January 26, 2018). photo: Mike Yarish / ©Netflix / courtesy Everett CollectionMike Yarish/Netflix

At a time when politicians continue to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Latinxs and other minority communities, it’s vital for us to see ourselves reflected in characters like the overachieving Jane and the know-it-all Elena: full of potential and incredibly resilient. We need more characters that teach us to embrace our Latinidad in ways that are empowering to us — and for organizations such as the Television Academy to pay attention.

Yes, the Emmys 2018 are doing important work to nominate a more diverse pool of talent. But failing to acknowledge well-rounded Latinx stories in television makes it seem as though our stories aren’t worth listening to. By overlooking the value in these characters and narratives, the Television Academy also sends a message to viewers, especially ones that don't often get to see stories like their own depicted on screen, that being Latinx isn’t something to take pride in. But Latinx people exist and we are a force to be reckoned with, a group that continues to grow and fights to be represented in television.

Just like there is no one way to be Latinx, there is no one television show or one prestigious Emmy nomination that can do us justice. We are a community that expands over a myriad of countries, values, traditions, and accomplishments — and we deserve just as many storylines to show for it. As Latinx viewers, we need to support the existing shows working hard to advocate for our communities, and above all, we need to make it clear that our stories aren’t just worth telling. They’re worth watching, they're worth championing, and they're worth nominating for the highest honors in television.

Related: Merriam-Webster Just Added “Latinx” to the Dictionary
