LGBTIQ Translations Case Study: Speaking with the Community

Overview

Sylaba Translations partnered with the Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC) on a project focused on making LGBTIQ information accessible and culturally appropriate for multicultural communities. The goal was to translate and adapt resources that explain LGBTIQ concepts in a way that resonates within different cultural contexts. This work supported understanding and inclusion while respecting deeply held beliefs and community values.

Challenge

Although the acronym “LGBTIQ” is widely used in Western contexts, its meaning varies significantly across cultures. In many communities, terms such as gay, transgender, and intersex carry different interpretations or are unfamiliar as identities. Cultural and religious taboos also limit open discussion, which can lead to misunderstanding and exclusion of multicultural LGBTIQ individuals within their own communities.

There was also a risk that direct translation could unintentionally reinforce stigma. Without culturally specific language and explanation, the resources could feel disconnected or unsafe for readers. This created a clear need for careful adaptation before translation could even begin.

Solution

The project began with community engagement to understand how LGBTIQ identities were perceived within each cultural group. A plain English explanation of LGBTIQ terms was developed to support clarity, using respectful and empathetic language grounded in rights and inclusion.

This document formed the foundation for translation into eight community languages, which were selected due to the lack of existing culturally safe resources. This included: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Spanish, Somali, Turkish, Arabic, Karen and Farsi.

Sylaba Translations led a detailed cultural adaptation process before translation, with NAATI-certified translators working closely with community checkers. Where certain English terms proved difficult to translate clearly, the original terms were retained and supported with explanations to maintain cultural safety.

Through careful translation, the final resources reflected how language and culture interact within each community. The result was a set of materials that supported inclusion and understanding, using familiar and respectful language. At the same time, these resources recognised that language evolves with social understanding, supporting safety and the right to live without discrimination.