Queer Language Services (QLS)
What is our Queer Language Service?
Our Queer Language Service is a specialised interpreting and translation service designed for LGBTQIA+ individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. We provide support to these community members, as well as the organisations that assist them, by offering translation and interpreting services free from discrimination or bias. Our interpreters are either members of the LGBTQIA+ community or dedicated allies who have a deep understanding of LGBTQIA+ lived experiences. This ensures that clients can communicate their needs and access critical services without fear of being misgendered, mistreated, or outed.
Our service is led by NAATI-certified interpreters with queer lived experiences or strong allyship, making us a trusted and affirming resource. We aim to focus initially on Arabic and eventually expand to other languages to meet the diverse needs of our growing multicultural community.
Why is our Language Service necessary and important?
Queer Language Services addresses a crucial gap in the current translating and interpreting industry, where LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those seeking asylum or refuge, often face discrimination, misrepresentation, and harmful behaviours from interpreters. We’ve heard multiple accounts of LGBTQIA+ clients being misgendered, outed, or outright ignored by interpreters, which severely undermines their ability to access essential services, government support, and advocacy.
These are testimonials from community members discussing their experiences of dealing with agency interpreters, which were translate independently:
“I was having a meeting with my lawyer discussing issues of family violence and a potential application for an intervention order. The interpreter was over the phone. He kept asking me if I was a man or woman because he said “you sound like a man but your lawyer keeps referring to you as she.” This was not the first time I experienced transphobia from an interpreter. They often either say really mean and hurtful things or just drop out of the call, leaving me with no interpreter or way to express myself. It just breaks my heart and deters me from seeking help.” S.S, 37
“He [the interpreter] kept saying that I need to pray to god because I am gay. He said I should go to church and pray to god to change me so that I can go to heaven. This happened while I was in the hospital after I attempted to take my life. To the say the least, I was devastated. I did not ask him for his opinion and he certainly did not have to say this. It is homophobia plain and simple. I have not asked for an interpreter since. I choose to use Google Translate even though it is not accurate just to avoid having to deal with people like this.” H.S, 19
Many LGBTQIA+ community members fear using standard language services, not only because they worry about discrimination, but also because they are at risk of being outed while during sensitive conversations. This is especially critical for LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees, where such discrimination could have life-altering consequences. Our service is necessary to offer these individuals a safe and affirming environment where they can communicate openly and receive the support they need without fear.
How will our Language Service address these concerns?
To address these concerns, we ensure that all our interpreters and translators are either LGBTQIA+ themselves or strong allies with an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by queer individuals. We provide a safe space for our clients by selecting only NAATI-certified professionals who have proven their language skills, with a commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of LGBTQIA+ people.
We also facilitate the creation of supportive and affirming discourse, empowering our clients to speak freely without the fear of being outed, misgendered, or discriminated against. We are led by passionate queer language professionals who have dedication and desire to make this service a nationally available resource. By providing training to our panel of language professionals and establishing strategic, marketing, and engagement plans, we are building a solid infrastructure to uphold these high standards. Furthermore, we will develop systems and procedures that support both our clients and our interpreters and translators, ensuring accountability, transparency, and a compassionate service delivery.
This service not only bridges the language gap but also provides educational and employment opportunities for LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants, further strengthening the community we aim to serve.
Do you need an Interpreter or a Translator?
Interpreters mediate languages orally while translators work with written material.
An interpreter can help facilitate conversations between two individuals speaking two different languages or interpret for a group of NES (Non-English Speakers) in a presentation or group setting. They can also provide sight translation which is transforming a written message into a spoken message. It involves reading a text silently in the source language, and then speaking it in the target language.
A translator works exclusively with written materials, translating them into English or another language. These can be a variety of text types, such as brochures, pamphlets, forms or documents of any sort.
