Brokeback LightHouse

The first club for homosexuals just opened in Hanoi. The founder's interview is reproduced below, from: http://english.vietnamnet.vn/social/2006/03/547479/

VietNamNet – Hai Dang Club for homosexuals has been established by Pham Thi Nga, Director of the Sexually-transmitted Diseases and HIV/AIDS Control Centre in Hanoi.

Why did you establish the club?

Vietnamese society has erroneous views, condemning, and discriminating against homosexuals. I’ve met with many homosexual people and listened to their stories and I think that it’s time for us to change our views. Homosexuals need sympathy and support from the community, which is the reason Hai Dang Club was established.

In Vietnam, homosexuality is a sensitive issue. Did you face difficulties setting up the club?

Many! We had to wait a long time for approval. Some people who knew of our plan protested. But the most difficult thing was homosexual people, who are afraid about disclosing the truth about themselves to their families. Some worry that they will be letting their parents down, and believe it would be better to live in the dark for their whole lives rather than revealing their sexuality. We want to help young people to be brave enough to tell their families.

How are you attracting patrons to Hai Dang Club?

We had to spend several months going to places where homosexuals gather in Hanoi to mobilize them. Initially they refused and did not want to show up. Finally some accepted our invitation. Hai Dang now has 25 members, most young people.

What is the meaning of Hai Dang?

Hai Dang means lighthouse. The Hai Dang Club wants to be a lighthouse to light the way for homosexual people to surmount the storm of HIV/AIDS.

How does the club benefit members?

Coming to the club, young people will have a chance to meet, exchange, and learn information about health, social, cultural, and sporting issues and take part in other group activities. In addition, club members also spread knowledge of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and charity activities through club activities. Joining the club, many feel their life is more meaningful.

There are many homosexual people in HCM City and some big cities. Do you plan to expand the system of clubs for them?

This is a project funded by the International Family Health Organisation. If we have money, we will expand. We firstly plan to design a website for homosexual people so those who cannot directly join the club can exchange information via the website. In addition, individuals who need consultancy can contact us via phone (7366653).

This is a club for gay men, not women. Will a club for lesbians follow?

I cannot answer at present but we are ready to help lesbians through free, confidential services of consulting, HIV testing, examination, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. Members of Hai Dang Club are students, artists, and volunteers. We want to reach others who are difficult to approach, such as workers and office employees, and I also hope our members will be added to the National HIV/AIDS Control Programme.

When the Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai came to Canada for a visit in June 2005, the bill for same-sex marriage was being debated in Ottawa and Prime Minister Khai was asked for his opinion. He laughed and said: We don't have that problem in Vietnam. There are no homosexuals in my country. Or at least very few.