In the video, the parents of Nguyen Trung Kiet (born 1989, HCMC) and Tran Cong Lap (born 1999, makeup artist, originally from Long An, now Tay Ninh) openly discussed their sons’ relationship.

Both families shared that they had previously sensed their children's true sexual orientation, but to fully understand and accept it, they had to go through a period of intense internal struggle.

Lap’s father said: “Pushing him too hard would make him suffer, so we decided to be open-minded. Who could bear to hurt their own child?” Kiet’s father responded: “If you accept it, how could I object?” 

Kiet’s mother noted: “Our child was born without the ability to choose his gender identity, nor could he choose his parents. As long as he’s happy, that’s enough.”

Same-sex relationships still face societal prejudice. The video resonated with many, who empathized with the parents’ journey of accepting their children in the LGBT community.

“We respect and pity them. It must have taken a lot to reach that open-mindedness”; “Parents love their children most, enduring gossip to support them,” were some netizens’ comments.

Struggling with beliefs to support their children

Kiet told VietNamNet that he and Lap have been together for six years. The video was recorded during a family gathering in early July.

Kiet is the only child in his family. His parents divorced, and he was raised by his grandmother. Later, he reconnected with his father and stepmother. Kiet realized his true identity at an early age, and his stepmother was the first person he came out to. She was understanding and supportive. In contrast, Kiet's father strongly opposed.

In 2019, Kiet and Lap began dating. “When my father learned I was in a same-sex relationship, he was shocked. As his only son, he expected me to marry and have children to continue the family line. It was hard for him to accept,” Kiet recalled.

Still, Kiet believed that if he could succeed through his own efforts, build a good life, and have a healthy relationship, his parents would trust and support him.

By 2022, Kiet earned his father’s support. After three years of internal struggle, seeing his son mature, financially and emotionally independent, and in a committed relationship, Kiet’s father opened up.

“On September 2, 2022, after a long period of silence, my father called and asked me to visit my grandfather and told me to bring Lap along,” Kiet recounted.

Over the years, the couple has lived in harmony, cared for each other daily, and worked hard in their careers to prove to their parents that their support was well placed.

Thanh Minh