For Chicagos LGBTQ Spanish Speakers, FRUTAS Is A Social Potluck And Much More

FRUTAS, a Chicago collective for LGBTQ+ Spanish speakers, has hosted cultural events since 2013, focusing on community-building through language and art. The group challenges the dominance of English by encouraging participants to socialize in Spanish, which core organizer Mitch Monroy describes as a practice that requires effort and discomfort. Events have evolved to include curated discussions and screenings of Spanish-language films, fostering engagement with queer culture. In 2023, FRUTAS collaborated with artist Sofia Moreno to feature trans artists from Mexico City, creating spaces for dialogue around different Spanish dialects. Core member blake nemec emphasized the importance of discussing the politics of language and its colonial implications.

Accessibility remains a priority, welcoming non-native speakers and those reintroducing Spanish into their lives. Through food and art, FRUTAS connects participants to their cultural histories, making language a central theme of their gatherings. This initiative not only promotes language learning but also strengthens community ties among diverse Spanish speakers.