A reader from Vietnam has asked me
to repeat a poem that has appeared on the blog before in support of LGBT people there who are made to feel
second-class citizens and often disowned by their families for being brave and
principled enough to leave that proverbial closet which may well have been
their home for years.
‘Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) persons in Vietnam may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal and are believed to never have been criminalized in Vietnamese history. However, same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are ineligible for the legal protections available to opposite-sex couples. Although homosexuality is generally considered taboo, awareness surrounding LGBT rights has risen during the 21st century. Reports of discrimination against LGBT people are not uncommon, however, with about 20% of LGBT people reported being beaten by family members when coming out.’ - Wikipedia
It remains one of the twenty-first century's tragedies that there are millions in much the same position around the world, invariably due to socio-cultural-religious bias if not plain old-fashioned bigotry.
P-R-E-J-U-D-I-C-E-S, CULTURAL HANGOVERS or GAY IN HANOI
To all appearances safe and sound;
the law, not anti-LGBT;
on the whole, though public opinion
much divided, most families
rejecting members daring to leave
the proverbial closet,
give human rights, equality,
humanity
(and loyalty) a stronger voice
in the wider community, send
ignorance
and inhumanity on their way
City of Peace, bitter divisions
within
its ever-growing populace;
some applauding changes of attitude
from prejudice to support
for its men, women and young people
struggling with sexuality
against a backdrop of bigotry and
hate
in this ‘Paris of the East’
where tree-lined boulevards give
the lie
to a city at peace with itself
Brave are they who march for Pride,
asserting the rights of sexuality
to respect among equals, deserving
better than mere tolerance,
(especially where it masks
hostility)
better to know your enemy
than feel sufficiently safe and
sound
to Come Out, only to be left
seeking sanctuary among other
rejects
who made the same ‘mistake’
Find mind-body-spirit waiting on
the all-clear
wherever inhumanity would see gay
folks live in fear
Copyright R. N. Taber
2019
[Note: I have revised the original alternative title since the poem last appeared on the blog.]
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