"Growing up I felt that I was an alien from another planet dropped on my mother's lap. But for what purpose?" (pg.49)
In La Prieta Anzaldua writes to those that exist outside dominant hegemonic culture. She repeats the quote above twice throughout her essay. This question is an attempt of self understanding and the want to find a space where one belongs. Even as an adult, it is difficult to find a safe space to be true to all your intersectional identities and it is almost as if you have to leave a section of yourself at the door no matter what space you enter. This concept has been reflected multiple times throughout my college career. For example, walking into el centro on campus I feel as though I can only be Chicana or Mexicana, similarly in the pride resource center I can only be a queer woman, not a queer Chicana.
From youth to adulthood, the queering of one's personality and identity is demonized. Because of near constant criticism, it becomes increasingly more difficult to stay true to your queer self and not give in to hegemonic narratives. Anzaldua writes on page 48, "we fear our power, fear our feminine selves, fear the strong woman within, especially the black Kali aspect, dark and awesome." While there may not be a space that accepts you fully, you must walk with strength and tough skin because other's predispositions do not need to define you. People will view you as they wish and pick the sections of you that are convenient for themselves, but you must remain whole within yourself.
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