Community:Global Sign Language Community

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Global Sign Language Community (GSLC) is a community within VRChat, established by both Deaf and hearing individuals, aims to connect and foster understanding between these communities. Their mission is to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing cultures, cultivating mutual respect and appreciation for each other's experiences. In addition to their efforts in education and cultural connection, the community offers classes in various sign languages to broaden communication and inclusivity.

History & Purpose

Logo for Global Sign Language Community (GSLC)

The Global Sign Language Community (GSLC) emerged from efforts to combat discrimination faced by Deaf individuals within certain groups in the Deaf and signing community. Getomeulou and Nemsi, among others, encountered significant challenges when applying for staff roles, including barriers due to perceived deficiencies in language and writing skills, despite their proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and meeting high standards for bilingual and English proficiency. In contrast, hearing applicants were often hired more quickly.

Motivated to drive change, Getomeulou dedicated eight months to defending Nemsi’s right to an ASL teaching position. Recognizing the need for a more inclusive and supportive community structure, Nemsi, Getomeulou, Article15, and other friends of theirs formed a discussion group on October 8, 2023, to lay the ground

work for a new community dedicated to Deaf empowerment. By mid-spring 2024, the group had finalized the community's name and logo, officially establishing the Global Sign Language Community (GSLC).

GSLC is committed to advancing knowledge, equality, rights, and peace within the Deaf community. Its continued growth reflects the increasing strength, influence, and potential for meaningful contributions by Deaf individuals to society, and within VRChat.

Resources

While GSLC strives to advance the knowledge of equality and rights within the Deaf community, they also offer sign language lessons within VRChat. They offer this as a seperate arm of their community, which is called, Global Sign Language Community:Education. Although they offer lessons on sign language, they also teach the importance of Deaf culture, and how that ties into sign language.

See Also

• Community:Sign language in VRChat
• Community:Mute