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OVER 30% OF VIETNAMESE BELIEVE BEING LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUEER (LGBTQ+) IS A DISEASE1, DESPITE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY.

The stigmatisation and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, particularly evidenced by “gender treatments" and “conversion therapy"2, lead to physical and mental trauma that can last a lifetime. Many healthy LGBTQ+ become unhealthy and end up with depression, even suicide3.

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Being LGBTQ+ is not a disease. This is the scientific consensus endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other psychological and psychiatric associations6. A large body of scientific evidence indicates that being LGBTQ+ is entirely compatible with a normal and healthy life that doesn’t warrant stigmatisation and discrimination from society. Clinical literature shows that same-sex attractions, feelings, and sexual behaviours are normal occurrences and a part of human diversity7. It is proven that the efforts of converting the gender identity of a gay, lesbian or transgender person couldn't provide a long-term change. In contrast, it causes significant mental and physical harm to LGBTQ+ people.

Moreover, homosexuality and gender dysphoria were dropped Mental Disorder chapter of WHO's International Classification of Diseases (ICD)8 in 1990 and recently 2019. However, this information is not accessible to the community at large. Furthermore, the application and implementation of international standards have been facing many inadequacies in Vietnam. Some hospitals and clinics still accept LGBTQ+ patients and proceed with the "treatment" through hormonic therapy, psychological consultation and even medication, which can cause irreversible consequences. Additionally, the authorities in the health sector have not made any official statement regarding these harmful and non-compliant practices.

The stigma and discrimination coming from the wrongful pathologisation of LGBTQ+ can be decreased and hopefully removed altogether if WHO in Vietnam affirms that being LGBTQ+ is not a disease.

Help cure this stigma and let your voice be heard by signing this petition to WHO. Fight for a society that respects diversity, freedom and human rights.

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