Fukuoka NPO provides complimentary support for LGBTQ deaf community

Non-profit organization Colorful Change Lab has launch a volunteer service this month that offers free sign language interpretation for individuals who identify as both LGBTQ and deaf or hard of hearing.

The service aims to address the unique challenges faced by double minorities in society, offering wide-ranging support including consultations for parents of LGBTQ children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Despite recent gains in recognition for the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals and the deaf and hard of hearing, there remains a significant lack of awareness and support for those who identify as part of both communities. These double minorities often struggle to find appropriate services, as many LGBTQ support initiatives do not provide sign language interpretation, and some individuals may feel uncomfortable seeking support in fear of their LGBTQ identity being disclosed.

Examples of the challenges faced by this community include having discriminatory language translated verbatim, fearing prejudice from interpreters, and being spoken to in discriminatory sign language. Additionally, there is a concern about being outed within the deaf community and the difficulty for deaf or hard of hearing parents of potentially LGBTQ children to find someone to consult with.

To address these issues, Colorful Change Lab’s sign language interpretation consulting support service will feature interpreters who are LGBTQ allies or part of the community. While consultation is free of charge, cases involving actual expenses will require further discussion. Accompaniment is available within Fukuoka Prefecture, with nearby prefectures subject to discussion. Importantly, the identities of interpreters will be kept confidential to prevent assumptions about the LGBTQ status of individuals associated with them.