The news has been welcomed by LGBT community in the country and a popular topic for discussion online. Expressing affection and relationship in public used to be just a dream for this couple. However, the legalisation of the right to change gender marks a turning-point in their lives.
"We’re no longer shy or hesitant. We are confident to show our love in public. We now feel as part of the society", Le Thi Truc Binh, a member of LGBT Community in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, said.
Under the current civil code, eex reassignment surgery is prohibited for transgender people, and only intersex people are permitted to undergo this surgery.
282 from the 366 members of the National Assembly voted in favour of the new law which is expected to come into effect on January 1, 2017. This constitutes a small, but significant step toward recognition of transgender people’s rights.
Vietnam is the 62nd country in the world and the 11th in Asia to allow gender marker change in personal identification documents and surgery. Although much needs to be done to develop a legal system related to this issue, this change is seen a good sign for LGBT people.
Recent improvements in the law are steps to enabling the LGBT community to live true to themselves so that they can integrate into their wider community and lead even more positive lives.
