“Family is…”
Hanoi, Vietnam | BnL | 2022
Hi! We're the BNL Hanoi Youth Group, a collective of nine folks who are part of the Hanoi International Queer Film Association. Our mission? To grow queer cinema in Vietnam and amplify the voices calling for LGBTQI+ rights.
The Right-Sized Problem
In Vietnam, the concept of family often feels distant to queer individuals. It's as if society says you can't have a "normal" family if you're queer. Well, we call BS on that. So, to challenge this perception and to start conversations, we produced a documentary showcasing the experiences of LGBTQI couples building their families here in Vietnam.
What did we do?
Through various media materials and events, we’ve recruited people to join our garbage collection activities, how-to’s on recycling, online challenges and creative contests in a 7-day full-on no-plastics challenge!
And in the midst of all the waste, we also organised a “67 Promotes Green Environment” gala night at An Giang University to celebrate accomplishments around our treasured trash and inspire more students to come on board. We also had a fashion show with costumes made from reused plastic!
Campaign Impact
Our campaign made significant strides in challenging traditional norms around family and love within the Vietnamese context. Although we faced setbacks, such as not receiving official permission for mainstream media coverage, we adapted by partnering with influential organizations and leveraging alternative social media platforms. The Embassy of the Netherlands even hosted screenings of our documentary, "Family Is...", which resonated deeply with a diverse audience.
Our partnerships with iSEE and the Embassy of the Netherlands not only gave us technical expertise but also broadened our reach, helping us connect with key activists and members of civil society. Through social media, we achieved high levels of engagement, proving that our messages were impactful.
As we move into 2023, our mission has gained further financial backing, ensuring that we'll continue to expand our efforts to normalize and support LGBTQI+ families in Vietnam. In a nutshell, our campaign has started essential conversations, garnered supportive allies, and set the stage for even greater impact in the future.
Words from Werewolf Village group
750,000 people reached through social media channels
180,000 engagements
500 community members mobilised
1 documentary created and ready to distribute
