This newly begun project by the Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population (CCIHP) in Ha Noi, Vietnam is working to develop a better understanding of the stigma and discrimination lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face, by adopting a historical approach.

By focusing on the history of same sex sexual relations in Vietnam - among men, among women, and among trans people – and by charting the way in which modern ideas about ‘homosexuality’ have arisen in Vietnam and in adjacent countries, the project aims to contribute to the reduction of stigma and discrimination enacted towards LGBT individuals and communities in Vietnam.

Using documentary evidence, literature and interviews with key individuals, the history of LGBT stigma and discrimination in Vietnam will be charted during four important periods in the social and economic history of the country:

- During Chinese rule

- During the French colonial era

- During the American war

- After Liberation (pre and post Economic reform)

Are you interested? Can you help? If so, then please contact Hoang Tu Anh (tuanh@cihp.org) or Vu Song Ha (ha@cihp.org) who are coordinating the work.

We are particularly keen to hear from those with information and sources of evidence to share, and those who might be interesting in contributing to the work of the project in some way.