Interpreting for LGBTQ+ individuals gives them the chance to reach safety – How a Twi interpreter saves lives with her skills
After almost six months of providing emotional interpretation for Fii (name changed for privacy), I was overjoyed to hear about his release from the ICE detention center. It was one of the happiest days of my life. Interpreting for Fii was an emotionally charged experience, filled with mixed feelings. I had never imagined the harm, pain, and torture that LGBTQ+ individuals face in their home countries.
Fii is a middle-aged gay man from Ghana who has been disowned by his family, beaten almost to death, threatened, and even lost his partner due to his sexual orientation. Fearing for his life, he fled Ghana and made a long and risky journey through the desert and the Amazon forests in South America. Finally, he made it to the border of the U.S., hoping to start anew.
However, luck eluded him when he was arrested, detained, and subsequently deported to Ghana. He made a second attempt to enter the U.S. through the same route, using the dangerous route of traveling by sea, road, and on foot to the borders of America for the second time. With the hope that America would give him the opportunity to rebuild his life and live with dignity, devoid of fear of hiding his sexuality or being discriminated against, insulted, beaten, or even killed in his own country.
For the second time, Fii was arrested and spent over two years in prison while dealing with depression, insomnia, and other health issues resulting from the injuries he sustained from his attacks in his home country. What was his crime? Fii only wanted a chance to enjoy life while being true to his sexuality without fear.
Although I've had the opportunity to work on several cases, Fii's case was the longest and most challenging. His experiences and ordeals were heart-wrenching. I'm grateful to RCT for the opportunity to make a difference in Fii's life. Working with the Respond Crisis Translation (RCT) Team has been a humbling and fulfilling journey. I realized the significance of using my language skills to bring hope to vulnerable individuals and give people a second chance to start anew.
