HISTORY

In November 2008, ICS group started as a project working towards a positive image of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) in Vietnam by the Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (iSEE). Before 2008, the LGBT community in Vietnam was largely invisible. LGBT people faced many challenges: discrimination from non-LGBT people, same-sex couples and their households were ineligible for the legal protections to which heterosexual couples were entitled, homosexuality was generally considered a taboo or contrary to Vietnamese tradition, etc. The need to improve society's awareness, provide services for the LGBT communities, and enhance the visibility of the LGBT communities were obvious.

ICS Center' mission is Empowering Vietnamese LGBTI+ communities toward Pride and Equality. Through various activities such as training, organizing seminars and events, providing advisory services, or offering courses about capacity building and empowerment for the LGBTI+ community in Vietnam, ICS Center desires to empower the community to speak up and advocate for their legitimate human rights.

Location: Vietnam

Founded: 2008

Official Website: ics.org.vn