RAINBOW ACADEMY 2024 – A JOURNEY OF INSPIRATION FROM “ME” TO “US”

The Rainbow Academy 2024 has officially concluded, marking an emotional and meaningful journey. This was not merely a training program but a space where over 25 young LGBTIQ+ leaders transformed their personal experiences into powerful narratives to inspire the community.

DISCOVERING THE POWER OF PERSONAL STORIES

Rainbow Academy is more than just a learning opportunity. It empowers participants to share their stories through impactful tools like Public Narrative and Photovoice. These tools enabled participants to turn their individual stories into collective calls for action and change.

At the Academy, stories about SOGICE (efforts to forcibly change sexual orientation or gender identity) were authentically portrayed, from the invisible pressures within families to extreme measures such as medical interventions, spiritual practices, and even acts of violence.

A JOURNEY FROM PAIN TO A DESIRE FOR CHANGE

The stories shared at the Academy were not only about reliving painful memories but also about fostering hope for a better future. Personal experiences became the spark for collective action to ensure no one else has to endure similar hardships.

• Revealing the scars: Through images and narratives, participants exposed the harsh realities of “conversion practices.”
• From trauma to action: These stories didn’t just highlight the harm caused by such practices but also carried a deep aspiration for change, underscoring the need for a shift in societal attitudes.

RAISING AWARENESS, DRIVING SOCIAL CHANGE

Through Rainbow Academy, personal stories became a vital tool for transforming societal perceptions of SOGICE. This is no longer just an issue for individuals or the LGBTIQ+ community; it’s a call to action for society to work together to eliminate these injustices.

Hearing firsthand accounts from those affected opened up spaces of empathy, helping people recognize that stigma and coercion must be replaced with respect and support.

RAINBOW ACADEMY – THE START OF CHANGE

The Academy did more than equip participants with knowledge and skills. It inspired them to turn their personal narratives into actions that could influence broader societal change.

• Each participant is now an ambassador, spreading their stories to foster understanding and compassion.
• Even small personal stories can contribute to significant social transformation, bringing us closer to a future where all gender identities are respected.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

This journey doesn’t end here. Rainbow Academy 2024 is just the beginning. You, too, can join this movement by participating in research and helping to spread awareness about ending “conversion practices.”

Visit Lighthousevietnam.org to learn more about our projects, community activities, and how you can get involved. Small actions today can create a fairer and more inclusive society tomorrow.

LET’S CONTINUE THIS STORY TOGETHER

Your story matters too. Share it, so together, we can build a community free of stigma, where all gender identities are valued and embraced.

Start today. Your actions can make a big difference.