In a country where more than thirteen percent of the population are immigrants, a major issue is the language. Representatives of the immigrant’s community often do not have opportunities to get fundamental knowledge of the English language through a college education. Fortunately there are many free programs for adults who want to improve their language skills. The teachers of these programs are all volunteers. Katie Gray is one of them. She has been working as a teacher with adults, who learn English as a second language for three years. When she was a student, she learned Spanish and Portuguese during her four years in college and in an exchange program. “As a language leaner, I understand what it is like to live in another country without knowing the language.” Katie realized that being a native of this country, she could use some extra time to help people get acclimated to the United States.
Also, this young lady is an example of how to learn a language quickly, if the goal is significant. The question of human sexual orientation and self-acceptance is at the forefront in her mind. Ms. Gray always strives to help people to the extent of her capabilities. This applies not only to physical problems, but also the question of spiritual quest. A year ago, Katie’s girlfriend was struggling with an internal contradiction: how to accept her homosexuality. At that exact time, Katie once again re-read the book Mujeres al Borde de una Palabra, by Antonia Amprino (Words of Fire! Women Loving Women in Latin America). The contents of this book, according to Katie, could help her girlfriend to find answers to questions that were tormenting her. “I desperately wanted to share it with her, but it is in Spanish. In a moment of pure inspiration I told her I would translate it for her.''
The book presents coming out stories of women who love women in Latin America. This collection shares interviews of seventeen women who in different ways have come to an understanding and acceptance of their homosexuality to themselves and to society.
Katie contacted the author to get her permission to translate the book from Spanish to English. Her Spanish at that time was already fluent, but for the translation of literature one needs something more than just language skills. It requires total immersion in the concept of the book. Perhaps Katie's sincere interest in the content of this book helped her to manage this difficult task. Also she had the Muse who inspired her for this bold action.
Now, after one year, the book is in production with the publisher and will publish October 1, 2016. The publication of the English version of the book was paid for by the Government of Argentina, considering the significance of cultural exchange. Katie with Ms. Antonia Amprino are preparing for a thirty-day tour in twelve US cities. See more about the book in English here, on the kickstarter page where you can support the trip and purchase your copy of the book.
Probably, this project has gained a much larger scale than Katie expected, but it gave her a huge benefit. Now she knows that she is capable of anything, if wants it badly. A few years ago, Katie had the idea of writing her own book, about the psyche of youth who are rejected and put down for voicing their homosexuality. Obviously, after her grand translation which she made to give the American reader the answers to questions of concern to women in all corners of the globe, Katie's understanding about the demand of this kind of literature is only strengthened.
Is it likely that her own book will be published soon in English and Spanish or maybe even Russian? This is a question for the next interview. In the meantime, I will express my suggestion: perhaps it depends on her next muse.
