A new column was launched in March in the Van Nghe Tre newspaper, the series, Happiness in Pain, appeared in three issues of the newspaper (No 10-696, No-11-697 and No12-698). The articles dealt with the experiences of gay men and are significant, in that it is the first time that such stories, written by the men themselves have been shared in a national newspaper.

It is hoped that through these columns readers will understand more about the realities of their lives which has far to often been in the shadows and ‘darkness’ for too long. The authors of these articles describe their feelings and life as gay men, their stories will help others to comprehend and understand their experiences both happiness and pain.

Through these series people can gain a clearer more fully-formed pictures of the lives of these men helping to change perceptions of the public, helping them to have a more complete view of their experiences. Although websites exist also for this purpose, these articles in a mainstream newspaper helps to strengthen their voice.