Instructions for medical establishments
The ministry called for better information for staff and patients, equal treatment and respect for LGBT people. Its directive told providers not to impose treatment and to strengthen inspections of professional practice. It framed any appropriate psychological assistance as work for people with relevant understanding of sexual identity, rather than an attempt to change someone’s orientation. [1]
A campaign brought the issue to the WHO
The Vietnamese Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment, iSEE, had organised the Leave With Pride campaign. In its account of a response from WHO representative Kidong Park, the institute reported more than 76,000 petition signatures, later rising above 82,000. The published response rejected attempts to change non-heterosexual orientation as lacking medical justification.
Rights advocates welcome the instruction
On 18 August, Human Rights Watch welcomed the ministry’s decision. “LGBT people in Vietnam deserve access to health information and services without discrimination,” said researcher Kyle Knight. The organisation linked the directive to the misinformation and prejudice that LGBT young people encountered in families and schools, and to the need for respectful health services.