Ha: Yes! And the most fun is to dress up to go to Vietnamese dance clubs.
Would you want a sex change?
Ha: To be honest, I don't. I drag just for fun. I've never thought about changing my sex. I love my body.
Any thoughts on gay rights?
Andy: I think it's unrealistic to say that, well, one day we'll be treated like any other citizens, especially in this country. I think the people here are homophobic and sexually uptight, in general. But yes, I support gay rights, equal rights for all beings.
Would you choose to be gay?
Chuong: There's no choice, really, to be gay or not. If there is, I probably would not want to be gay. Gay life can be lonely for lots of reasons.
Do you think gay life is more difficult than straight life?
Jonathan: I think life is difficult, period! Gay people probably have to deal with more issues than straights.
What is the most untrue stereotype about homosexuals?
Michael: Flamboyancy. And that we're sex-centered. All we think about is sex. Not true for all of us.
Do you think gay Vietnamese can contribute to the Vietnamese community here?
Tony: Yes, and we have been contributing. In the past, we were involved with Walk for Refugees, the freedom-seeking boat people who were forced to return to Vietnam, Proposition 187 concerning immigration law, the affirmative action. Recently, we are working with the Asian Pacific Legal Center in Los Angeles to fight for the fishermen in San Pedro who were harassed by the National Coast Guards. We are Vietnamese, regardless of being gay or not. We want to help our fellow Vietnamese. There's also the AIDS project. We are still lagging behind in the fight against AIDS. It's the top priority in my life now. AIDS awareness, AIDS prevention for the Vietnamese community.
Acceptance of homosexuality in the Vietnamese community, is it possible?
Tony: I think it's a real challenge. In reaction to homosexuality, there's an aspect of hatred in American society, whereas with our Vietnamese, it's pity. People feel sorry if you're gay, you can't help it, it's a disease. We've been trying to change that attitude. We continue to bring the awareness out, without discouragement. For the younger generation, there's more understanding, I think.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
What would you like to tell our Vietnow readers?
Alex: One of the things that I would like to stress is responsible sex, safer sex. With HIV and AIDS on the increase in Asian communities, please educate yourself and your family about the prevention of AIDS. And be able to talk about sexuality without embarrassment or shame.
Chien: Be friendly to gay people. Don't discriminate against them. If you do, you never know. Your brother or sister might be gay...
Anonymous: I don't want to say anything cliche', but I hope that people are true to their identity. If you're interested in equality and justice, just keep an eye out and be true to yourself.