Male Homosexual Identities, Relationships, and Practices among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in Vietnam: Implications for HIV Prevention

Abstract

Rapid socioeconomic transformation in Vietnam in last 15 years has been followed by more liberation of sexual expression and representation of sexual identity among young people. There has been an increase in the visibility of homosexual men in major cities of Vietnam who were largely an unknown population until the emergence of the HIV epidemic. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are now considered as one of the target groups in many HIV prevention programs. This qualitative study examines local identities, relationships, and sexual practices among young MSM aged 15-24 in the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Our analyses were based on 26 in-depth interviews and 10 focus group discussions with young MSM recruited through public place intercepts and cruising areas. Data document the linguistic classification, sexual relationships and behaviors, identity and process of homosexual identification, and the potential linkage between sexual identity and sexual behaviors of MSM in Vietnam. Data also highlight the stages of homosexual community development in urban Vietnam and important differences between Vietnam and the West in the representation of homosexual identity, relationships, and practices. In light of the findings, we suggest that the continuing development and elaboration of a homosexual community in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offers significant opportunities for targeted HIV/AIDS prevention activities in the Vietnamese MSM population.As in many other cultures, homosexuality is not considered a normal or acceptable practice in Vietnam. Although homosexuality has never been explicitly illegal in Vietnam, men who engage in homosexual practices are regarded as a "deviant" group, subject to social stigma and discrimination. As a result, they often attempt to keep their sexual identities and desires secret. Rapid socioeconomic transformation in last 15 years has led to greater freedom of sexual expression among young people, and advances in communication technologies have enabled homosexuals in Vietnam to interact with and learn about their counterparts in other countries. There are now a growing number of men who openly assert homosexual identities in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and their increasing visibility has garnered greater public attention (Blanc, 2005; Colby, Cao, & Dousntouse, 2004).

Stigma related to sex work among men who engage in transactional sex with men in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

“…Discrimination towards MSM from the healthcare sector is particularly concerning, as health care stigmatization known to deter MSM from access services in the future (Thanh et al 2012; Ma et al 2012; Risher et al 2013). Non-engagement in care may place individuals at higher risk for HIV, STIs, and poor health outcomes (Ngo et al 2009; Thanh et al 2012). It is important to note that peer outreach workers have played a key role in linking MSM with HIV counseling and testing and other related services in Ho Chi Minh City (Mimiaga et al 2012).…”

Strong propensity for HIV transmission among men who have sex with men in Vietnam: behavioural data and sexual network modelling

“…Internet use as a proportion of the population in Vietnam was 34% in February 2012 (31 million persons) 23. Internet use among urban MSM may be considerably higher 24. Ninety-four per cent of MSM in an offline RDS in Ha Noi stated that they used the Internet 25…”

Social environment and HIV risk among MSM in Hanoi and Thai Nguyen

“…HIV prevention programs, public officials and media reports about the epidemic ignore homosexuality (Colby et al, 2004; Hang et al, 2005; Nguyen et al, 2008). As a result, MSM in Vietnam tend to have poor HIV knowledge, high levels of risk behavior, and less access to HIV prevention and health care services (Ngo et al, 2009). …”