I'd like to introduce BC readers to a fixture of Chicago Latino literary life with a look at Proyecto Latina, one of its constituent groups, Tianguis, and one of its organizers, Irasema Gonzales.
Proyecto Latina is a gathering of Latina writers, artists, and performers whose goal is to showcase the diverse works of local area Latinas. I was lucky enough to have been contacted through my website by one of the principals, Irasema Gonzales, owner of Tianguis. Below is my interview with this interesting hermana followed by Proyecto Latina's current and upcoming schedule. In the words of that famous Mexican author, Virginia Lobo, every woman needs to have "un cuarto of her own."
I was born and raised in Chicago. I began getting in trouble in fifth grade for reading books during class. Around the same time, I got the urge to write and began drafting stories in my notebooks. My parents noticed and when I was in eighth grade my dad bought me a typewriter for my birthday. I attended a public grammar school and a Catholic high school. Drama and writing activities at school were always my favorite outlets. In 1995, I entered Columbia College Chicago. Simply getting into college was a miracle since I had minimal guidance from my high school counselor, and as a first generation college student I was for the most part on my own.
I’m still a book lover and writer, and now also a blogger and merchant. In 2006 I unveiled Tianguis, a cultural shop featuring books and work by Latino writers.
A few months later in January 2007 I helped co-found Proyecto Latina, a monthly open mic featuring emerging and established Latina talent. I meet with my writing group monthly for writing, chisme, and sangria, and in 2007 we published the chapbook, Afternoon Wine: Vicios, Suenos y confesiones.
My work also appeared in the anthology, Between the Heart and the Land: Latina Poets in the Midwest, published by March Abrazo Press, 2000. I live with my wonderful husband and two cats in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. When I grow up I wanna be a mommy, live on a goat farm, and get a dog — and not necessarily in that order.
Tell us about Tianguis. Some people would say, "A tea room in a Mexican neighborhood? No way!" What's your response to them?
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