5 years with GV

5 years!! wow!! I have just had a look up on my profile !!! I thus have been around for half of GV's age… My first translation, Des blogueurs échangent sur le racisme dans leur pays ^[2] (in October 2009) was a post by Diego Casaes, on racism in Brazil.

That appeared right to me : speaking about this world cancer from a Brazilian point of view. Let us specify first of all, and for good comprehension of what will follow, that I have a long and passionate relationship with that country, a passion which has lasted for 40 (40?) long years. My first steps on GV were thus purely moved by this interest: To stay in touch, to follow the news closely and to practice my Portuguese (ah, yes completely incidentally and much to my regret, I am French, so if you had not noticed it yet, I need to practice my english too !!).

I started to exchange emails with Claire and later with Suzanne, the Co-editors of the French team, with a categorical “my interventions would only relate to Brazil, exclusively, with the exception of other Portuguese-speaking countries”. She answered me with a disarming smile (Yes ! I remember to have seen it on your e-mail, Claire) that “but of course” and that “You do what you want”.

I then felt much more at ease to take part in GV following my own rhythm and according to my aspirations: Fight against racism, for LGBT rights, for a more participative policy, and a more “up to date” perception of Brazil by Europe. To leave (finally!!) behind the stereotype according to which in Brazil, everyone dances, it is carnival every day, and between two samba rounds they play football on the beach, before going to remake their buttocks at Pitanguy!!! I wanted my compatriots to have another perspective!!

Gradually, I then also made my way into the GV Lusophone group (I am multicarte!!) which enabled me to translate the posts that interested me directly from Portuguese and ahead of other volunteers. Compatriot translators appeared claiming “my” posts, then disappeared (some with grudge, which I besides never really understood!!)…

But I never wrote a post for GV. Initially because I am not living in Brazil any more and because, after all, the people best placed to speak about the country are the Brazilians themselves which, let's see if you're following me, I am not. But who knows if one day I will?? (ihh, is this about “never wrote a post” or “not to be a brazilian”???)

However, I would just like to say, all my admiration for the work carried out by all these nice people all around the world, GV collaborators and others, who idealize projects that are constantly flowering within the community and that, behind my small spyglass, I can see growing so quickly. I am a contemplative, nobody will remake me. Too late.

Nevertheless, you, GV members, got all my support and affection !!

I just would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to be a (small) part of it, and, by the way, ask you to forgive this broken english I've used to injure your eyes.