As part of a series of queer-centered events thrown in celebration of Pride Month, The Caffeine Library and Frontera Fund held the coffee and book shop’s first Sip’n’Spin on June 20, an opportunity for queer community members and allies to stop by, browse, listen to music, have some coffee, and speak to some of the organizations fighting for the community’s rights. The atmosphere was highlighted by rain coming and going throughout the event, making the indoor setting cozy yet lively. According to one of the owners, the event has been anticipated for a while, and Pride Month provided an outlet to celebrate in this way.
What’s Being Sipped and Spun
Music was provided by DJ Karina Mendoza, who kept the atmosphere lively with beats and mixes that kept some dancing even while stationary and conversing. Unlike a club, however, this event had an active yet relaxed tone.
Much like a lounge, patrons were invited to read, work, jam, or mingle while music livened the venue. Several organizations showed up to table and talk to patrons, spreading awareness of their causes, as well as providing knowledge and small gifts like buttons and pins.
The Sip’n’Spin was fortunate enough to have tables from South Texas Equality Project, South Texas Reproductive Justice, Mi Familia en Accion, Battleground Texas, Intersectional Feminist Student Organization, La Union del Pueblo Entero, and of course, Frontera Fund, which was kind enough to provide drink tickets to table visitors.
Sentiments from the Organizers
In an interview, co-owner of the shop, Jaime Montelongo, stated the business was started out of a love of reading and desire to create a niche reading space of their own. The owners knew they wanted to host Pride-centered events in June, because part of the Caffeine Library’s intended goal is to make all feel welcome. Montelongo stresses that there’s still work to be done regarding the Valley’s acceptance and intends to continue helping run the business with that context in mind.
Frontera Fund’s Organizing Manager, Cathy Torres, felt the Sip’n’Spin was a good idea due to the lack of sober spaces and events during Pride Month to feel queer joy and celebration. As for establishment and entertainment, Torres cited the Caffeine Library as an establishment that has stepped up in working with organizations focused on immigration and reproductive justice, and DJ Kari as an incredible artist creating musical spaces where people feel jubilant and welcome.
More Work to Do, and Fun to Have
Not only was the Sip’n’Spin a fun time, but it was also an act of community that reminds patrons that being queer is just another joyful part of life, when allowed to be. Consider visiting The Caffeine Library on University in Edinburg for some new reads and creative drinks. They regularly put on Open Mics, Poetry Readings, Themed Weeks, and Trivia Nights. If you are looking for more information on what you can know, and how you can help intersectional causes like immigration, reproductive, and queer movements, consider reaching out to any of the groups listed earlier. Frontera Fund, who co-organized the event, is centered on reproductive justice and can regularly be found tabling at most events aligning with their mission.
