On the first day of the group, Nina Caxambu says, she received more than 400 messages from those interested in joining it.
Today, Fruits From Brazil that was set up seven years ago, is the LGBTIQA (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transsexuals, Intersexuals, Queer and Asexuals) focal point for newly arrived Brazilian migrants in Australia with over 1,200 members.
While the group has been having an impressive presence at the annual Mardi Gras, it will not participate in this year's parade. It is, instead, organising an exhibition of Brazilian short films with the LGBTIQA theme, in Sydney on Monday.
'Softening the impact of migration'
The group founder Nina Caxambu says Fruits from Brazil tries to soften the impact of migrating from another country which she says is never easy.
"Even if we leave Brazil thinking that the LGBT issue is going to be better here, we never know. And that's why we created Fruits, so that people feel welcomed," she told SBS Portuguese.
"People who have already gone through everything that [the newly arrived migrants] are starting to experience, can help them by talking about their experiences. Even if we think that we'll be much more accepted here, we really don't know. How will it be at work? Without other people's experience, it becomes more difficult."
Caró Vilares says it is easier to come out in Australia, especially in the big cities compared to her homeland.
Fruits From Brazil - Sydney Mardi Gras Parade 2018 Source: Supplied
"Sydney is very different from São Paulo. There (São Paulo) we walk holding hands, but with fear and always conscious that we are doing this. Here, in general, it is much better, there is a better receptivity, everything is fine," says Caró.
"Here I feel much more secure and free."
Fruits From Brazil Source: Supplied
More articles and podcasts, in Portuguese:
Nina Caxambu at SBS Portuguese five years ago:
