A Photographer Explores Family, Acceptance And Being Queer In Vietnam

I could never have foreseen how my mom's acceptance of my queerness would transform me. I now carry myself differently; I gained much more confidence and self-assurance. With her acceptance, I started wondering about other young queer people and their families.

"Family Matters" is my attempt to discover all the nuances of relationships between young queer people and the people that should be closest to them. Along with my hope to connect with local queer people, I want them to tell their own story, lessening the straight-gaze in the media.

A lot of young queer people in Vietnam are able to be authentically themselves — with everyone except their own family. Some of this has to do with older generations being less informed about queer people and queer culture, which can lead to ignorance and even overt bigotry.

Some parents of queer children choose