Why some Latinas feel they have to look ‘more Latina’ to be believed

What does a woman have to do to be recognized as Latina? For many Afro-Latinas, the answer can become complicated. Their appearance may not match the stereotypes that Hollywood still connects with Latino identity.

Actress Amirah Vann once felt that pressure herself. In a new episode of LatiNation’s In the Moment, she explains how it affected her during auditions.

Amirah Vann tried to look “more Latina”

Early in her career, Vann would change her hair before auditioning for Latina roles. She believed a Dominican-style blowout could help casting directors see her as Latina.

“If it said, ‘She’s a Latina,’ I would immediately go to my Dominican girl,” Vann recalls. “Girl, give me a blowout.”

The decision came from a lack of representation. Vann rarely saw women who reflected both sides of her identity. As a result, she felt she needed to prove that she belonged.

She eventually realized there was nothing to prove

Over time, Vann began to see her identity differently. Her Puerto Rican heritage was already present in her upbringing, experiences and work. She did not need a hairstyle or an accent to make it real.

“I am both. I am Afro-Latina,” she says. “I am proud to be an African-American. I’m proud to be a Puerto Rican.”

That realization helped Vann become more comfortable in her own skin. It also changed how she approached an industry that had often viewed her only as a Black woman.

From a Brooklyn school to FOX’s ‘Doc’

Vann also shares how acting entered her life unexpectedly. While attending Midwood High School in Brooklyn, she auditioned to play Tina Turner in a school production. She got the role and received a standing ovation.

Today, Vann plays Dr. Gina Walker on FOX’s Doc. She loves the character because Gina is talented, hopeful and deeply flawed. The role allows her to portray the kind of complicated woman she wants to see on television.

Vann’s story carries a larger message. There is no single way to look, sound or act Latina. Identity does not become more authentic simply because it matches someone else’s expectations.

Watch Amirah Vann’s full conversation on LatiNation’s In the Moment and catch her in Season 3 of Doc on FOX.