The rights of LGBT people - Achievement and challenges
15 May 2015
- Ha Noi 15 May 2015 - Viet Nam had recently made notable achievements in promoting and protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBTI). In June 2014, the Law on Marriage and Family for the first time lifted the ban on marriage between two people of the same sex. A government’s decree issued in late 2013 crossed out the administrative fine on same-sex wedding ceremony. The needs of sexual minorities started to be considered in the process of revising laws. Social stigma against LGBTI people had been reduced substantially. At the Human Rights Council, Viet Nam was one of the countries passing a resolution to condemn discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. It was said to be among the top countries protecting LGBTI rights in Asia.
To celebrate the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), the Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (iSEE), the United Nations in Viet Nam, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) together organized a consultation on LGBT rights, starting a series of events from 15 to 17 May 2015.
On 15th May 2015, the consultation titled Celebrating Achievements and Addressing Remaining Challenges in Protection of LGBT Rights was an opportunity for policymakers, development partners and LGBTI community to review the achievements and discuss the solutions to existing challenges, including discrimination within families and schools, and the vulnerability of LGBTI people’s mental and physical health. The event also released a policy brief calling for collective actions to end discrimination.
“Lack of social awareness is never an excuse to delay the legal protection of LGBT people,” said Dr Pratibha Mehta, UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, at the consultation. “On the contrary, progressive laws and policy-making can be a strong ground to advance the rights of the marginalized groups and bring about positive social and cultural changes”.
Participants at the consultation discussed the solutions to reduce discrimination such as introducing sexual diversity to compulsory education curriculum, legalizing sex reassignment through the Civil Code, and supporting sexual health programs for LGBTI people.
At the same event, US Ambassador Ted Osius reaffirmed the support from the US Government in ending discrimination against LGBTI people.
“The U.S. Mission in Vietnam has proudly supported efforts in this country to promote LGBTI rights, from partnering with UNDP to co-sponsor LGBTI advocacy activities, to supporting LGBTI leaders through our academic and cultural exchange programs,” said the Ambassador.
“We look forward to continuing to work with you all on this important issue.”
On 16th May 2015, the private screening of the documentary “Finding Phong” highlights transgender issues. The journey of transgender people searching for their gender identity portrayed in the documentary won deep empathy of many audiences and gained their support for legalization of sex reassignment and reaffirmation of personal identification in the Civil Code. Discussions around the film confirmed the rights of transgender people to proper healthcare, and to their own body.
Finally, the peak of IDAHOT 2015 is BUBU (Be Unique, Be U) Town – the land for freedom and creativity for the LGBTI community and allies, which takes place at the American Club on 17 May 2015. Participants have a full day to express their creativity and identity via games zone, flash mobs, flea market, photo booth where they can put on makeup and costumes to transform themselves. Several performances will take place in the evening on the same day.
In spirit of youth, which is the theme of IDAHOT this year, BUBU Town and other events have create spaces for LGBTI people to express themselves, showcase their talents, and advocate for their rights. The presence of diplomaticleaders and development partners at the events demonstrates the international support for the Vietnamese Government’s efforts in protecting the human rights of LGBTI people.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Vu Phuong Thao
Communication Manager
Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (iSEE)
Email: vpthao@isee.org.vn
Tel: 0989756681|04-62737933
Trinh Anh Tuan
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