About Facing the Other: The Impression Management of Young LGBTQ Adults in Contemporary Vietnam

Paul Horton, Helle Rydstrom

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Recent political, legal and social shifts in relation to the rights and recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in Vietnam have facilitated increasing openness about the non-heteronormative preferences of young adults. However, established societal and familial norms related to the importance of heteronormative marriage and family values continue to impact significantly on the ways in which these young adults are able to live their lives. In this chapter, we examine young Vietnamese LGBTQ adults’ experiences of face-to-face encounters and their navigation of social interactions. The chapter is based on ethnographic fieldwork which involved semi-structured group and individual interviews with young women aged 20 to 29 who identified as lesbian, bisexual and/or queer, as well as employees at nongovernmental organizations dealing with LGBTQ issues and politics. The chapter sheds light on the ways in which young LGBTQ adults engage in impression management in order to “keep face” and not “lose face,” reducing their own vulnerability while also protecting their parents and upholding the collective face of the family.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationVisual and Cultural Identity Constructs of Global Youth and Young Adults
Subtitle of host publicationSituated, Embodied and Performed Ways of Being, Engaging and Belonging
EditorsFiona Blaikie
PublisherRoutledge
Pages62-77
Number of pages16
ISBN (Print)9780367519490
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Publication series

NameRoutledge Research in Cultural and Media Studies
PublisherRoutledge

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Gender Studies

Free keywords

  • Gender
  • Youth
  • LGBTQ rights
  • Vulnerability
  • Ethical Encounters
  • Vietnam

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