<h5>Wait, why would being LGBTQ+ be called an illness?</h5>  <p>LGBTQ+ people around the world have had to fight hard to gain acceptance into society. But many years ago, a lot of people thought of homosexuality as an illness. An illness, by definition, is something that makes you sick, unhealthy and unable to function in society like other normal people. </p>
<p>People who were intolerant of the LGBTQ+ community often referred to them as “mentally ill”. They believed LGBTQ+ people were mentally ill because they chose to love someone of their own gender (or all genders!). Even today, some people still think this is unnatural and can be cured, like a disease. 
This attitude made things really hard for people of the LGBTQ+ community. Because of this belief, some young LGBTQ+ people are taken to doctors who try to "cure" them. One of these “treatments” is called conversion therapy. It is often abusive and painful.</p> <h5>Is being LGBTQ+ not allowed in Vietnam? </h5>  <p>The answer is not quite so simple. For the longest time, being LGBTQ+ was considered a social evil in Vietnam, and was therefore banned. But in 2013, the ban on same-sex marriage was lifted. Yes, this was great news! But there’s more to it.</p>
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Although same-sex weddings were allowed, such couples were not recognized nor protected by the law. This meant that while LGBTQ+ couples could get married, they would not enjoy the same rights that heterosexual couples did. For example, same-sex couples cannot adopt a child together.
</p> <h5>What did the Vietnamese government do about this?</h5>  <p>Due to this discrimination, the Vietnamese Institute for Studies of Society, Economy, and Environment (iSEE) asked the World Health Organization in Vietnam to tell people that being LGBTQ+ is not a disease. 
Recently, the Ministry of Health in Vietnam declared that homosexuality is not an illness. They also stated that since it isn’t an illness, it cannot and does not need to be cured in any way. The Ministry also said that medical professionals such as doctors, nurses and psychiatrists should treat LGBTQ+ people with respect and ensure they are not discriminated against.</p>
<p>It even suggested that all medical care providers should be properly educated about LGBTQ+ people. If they seek help, it should only be given in the form of counselling, that too by a medical professional who has knowledge about LGBTQ+ issues.
</p> <h5>Has this step by the government helped the LGBTQ+ community?</h5>  <p>The belief that homosexuality is an illness has been harmful to LGBTQ+ in Vietnamese society. It has made people scared to proudly call themselves LGBTQ+.</p>
<p>The decision of the Ministry of Health to declare LGBTQ+ as a normal way of life will definitely make a difference. The Ministry is the most trusted source of medical information in the country. Hopefully, this will greatly improve how people think about LGBTQ+ in Vietnam, and all over the world!
This is a big win for the LGBTQ+ in Vietnam, but the battle for equality isn’t over yet. LGBTQ+ rights groups are now calling for a change in the law to give full recognition to same-sex marriage in Vietnam.
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Vietnam announced that being LGBTQ+ is not a disease. Let’s find out how this announcement will help the LGBTQ+ community in Vietnam.

Vietnam Declares Being LGBTQ+ is ‘Not an Illness’

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Vietnam Declares Being LGBTQ+ is ‘Not an Illness’

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