The life of homosexuals sometimes exists in two worlds. They often have to hide themselves from the outer world, a world that is full of discrimination against them, and the other world, a place where they can only live true to themselves when they are alone.
An exhibition titled "Open", which focuses on and celebrates the diversity of life, love and genders, was on display at the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH). The exhibition, organised by the Institute for studies of Society, Economy and Environment (iSEE) in association with the Information Connecting and Sharing group (ICS), aims to eradicate the discrimination against homosexual people in Vietnam.
The acceptance of homosexuality is now much more open that it once was, but only a small number of people in society are actually willing to understand and welcome it. The exhibition displayed art pieces that picture the homosexual world full of worry, concern and guilt, but also the confidence to show themselves and decide for their own future.
Nguyen Thi Thuy, second-year student of USSH, shared that she used to understand little and fear homosexual people and looked at relationships between two people of the same sex as repulsive. But now, after having come to the exhibition, her point of view on homosexuality has completely changed. Thuy realised they are not horrible people as she had once thought. Instead she found that they are normal and deserve the same rights in society that everybody else does.
Tran Tien Thanh, collaborator of the ICS group said that the exhibition had attracted a large number of university students and most held a very positive view of homosexuality. He hoped, through this special exhibition program, everyone could gain a better understanding and become more accepting towards homosexuals, as they are humans too.
The exhibition will be on display at 10 other universities in Hanoi.
Next display will be at Thang Long University. Gallery will open at 9 am, on April 15, and close at 5 pm, on April 16. The performance show, "Stereo man and journey of emotion finding" featuring Thuy Chi and Logger Crew, will also be on at 6 pm on April 16.
Below are some pictures being displayed at the exhibition:
Many homosexual people are binding themselves because of guilt, close their hearts and don't dare to show their feelings.
Homosexuals wear a mask when out in society. The mask can only be taken off when they come back to their green apple house.
As long as we are human, we need love.
The journey to go and find oneself when being a homosexual.
The rainbow house is a symbol for happiness, diversity, and a colourful life.
Homosexuals use pure love to face society.
The exhibition attracted the interest of many university students.