Tran Duc Bao, first prize winner at a Saigon storytelling contest on LGBT issues, shares his story of being discriminated for being gay. The 17-year-old student questioned the modern day freedom that does not grant him the freedom to be himself. This was obviously a deliberate exaggeration, because Bao’s gait is nothing like the stereotype. He demonstrated how he walks, according to his haters: pelvis out, shoulders back, a limp wrist, hips swishing from side to side. "I used to bite my pillows in tears," Bao said.īao was a natural on stage, which was a winning element in his presentation, apart from his story. "Bê đê," originating from "Pé dé," a French slang for homosexual, is a derogatory term widely used to attack gays in Vietnam. His friends and classmates called him Bao Duc, the initials of which fit the pronunciation of "Bê đê". Tran Duc Bao, who won the first prize at the contest, shared how his name was modified to mock him. Some looked cheerful, others looked nervous.īut when the story telling began, people bared their souls and shared their anguish. Some sat alone, some surrounded by friends and families.
Most of the 23 contestants who participated in the event were 15-25 years old. Viet Pride is an annual event that focuses "on celebrating the freedom of love and personal expression, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity." LGBTQI stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex.
#Vietnamese gay men making love series
The Storytelling Contest on LGBTQI issues, involving members of the community as well as their families and friends, was part of a series of mini events supporting Viet Pride. Shocking, poignant stories were narrated at an unusual event hosted recently by the U.S.