Queer Quentos: Entre Nosotres brings intersectional stories and resilience to Chicago

CHICAGO, ILL. - By Michael Oboza, Special to GoPride.com

Outside of popular local events like The Moth StorySLAM and OUTspoken! LGBTQ+ Storytelling, a distinct narrative gathering and celebration returned to Chicago for its second year. Hosted, created and curated by Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Norma L. Seledon, Queer Quentos: Entre Nosotres brought together a collaboration of queer, lesbian and transgender Latine storytellers to share narratives that are often erased, but which remain reclaimed and never forgotten.

The evening featured programming managed by Esteban Schemberg, alongside opening remarks delivered by Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductee and Executive Director Jorge Valdivia of the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) and its annual Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival.

"I think we need to talk about what is happening," Valdivia explained, addressing the audience. "The current administration and the impact of illegal ICE raids without due process have helped challenge many Spanish Latine productions. Tonight is another reason we have to keep showing up for those who cannot. Support Spanish language theater."

Following the opening remarks, Dr. Seledon reflected on the vital importance of the event.

"Latine Heritage Month is about honoring the fullness of who we are," Seledon said. "And that must include our queer stories."

"Queer Quentos creates space for LGBTQ+ Latine people across generations to tell our own stories, in our own voices, with all the joy, humor, struggle, culture and resilience they carry."

As a queer Mexican immigrant, storyteller and abuela, Seledon noted that being part of the event is deeply personal.

"Our stories are part of Latine history and when we tell them ourselves, we refuse to be erased," she added. "Storytelling becomes an act of visibility, healing, resistance and freedom."

This year's lineup of powerful storytellers featured Alicia T. Vega, Consuella Brown, Esteban “Xebastian” Pantoja, Maria Calderon, Milo Abreu, Yusef Garcia, Rene Castillo (also known as Angelise K. LaRue), and Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Martin Ocasio.

The vibrant celebration also drew notable community leaders and icons to the room, including Illinois State Sen. Celina Villanueva; Julio Rodríguez, cofounder and Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductee of the Association of Latinos/as/xs Motivating Action (ALMA); and Evette Cardona and Mona Noriega, cofounders of Amigas Latinas, Chicago Pride Parade grand marshals, and fellow Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductees.