Dr. Tô Nhi A On Helping Parents Accept Their LGBTQ+ Children

Dr. Tô Nhi A is a renowned psychologist and educator in Vietnam, well-known for her appearances on television shows and media outlets like Tâm tình mẹ bỉm sữa and Chuyện cuối tuần. She shares valuable insights into psychology and mental health.

Beyond her media presence, Dr. To Nhi A provides consulting, coaching, and training to many businesses and educational institutions such as Hoa Sen University, Economics and Finance, and Ton Duc Thang University.

Personally, Dr. To Nhi A is a mother of two boys. On a recent episode of Have A Sip, she shared insightful perspectives as both a psychologist and a parent regarding LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

Resistance often stems from insecurity

Through extensive consultations with parents of LGBTQ+ children, Dr. Tô Nhi A has gained valuable insights into their concerns. Many parents' resistance stems from feelings of insecurity and a lack of understanding about the LGBTQ+ community.

Parents fear that their children may encounter health and mental challenges in a society that doesn't fully accept LGBTQ+ individuals. Initially, these concerns might not have been tied to negative stereotypes. However, the concerns about their children's well-being have intensified over time, making it difficult for them to empathize with their children's aspirations.

Dr. Tô Nhi A believes that when parents are properly educated about gender and sexual orientation, they become more confident in supporting their children's authentic selves.

Additionally, children must fulfill three safety criteria to establish trust with their parents: maintaining physical health, adhering to the law, and living responsibly with ethical conduct.

Focus on "orientation"

Dr. Tô Nhi A asserts that human progress relies on shared humanity and individual capabilities, not gender.

A person's value is determined by their contributions to the community rather than their gender or sexual orientation. Being male does not automatically qualify someone as a good husband; rather, it's their ability to effectively manage familial responsibilities.

She highlights core moral values such as hard work, respect for others, and the tradition of ancestor worship, noting that these values are universal and not tied to gender. She hopes that by understanding this fundamental truth, society will recognize that everyone has the same responsibilities and rights, regardless of their gender.

Don't mistake love for its near enemies

Understanding and accepting information beyond your comfort zone requires patience and a genuine willingness to learn about the LGBTQ+ community. Actions and responses should stem from true love and empathy, not from anxiety or the desire to impose one's views under the guise of love.

Patience and compassion are crucial, especially for parents who need time to absorb and adjust to new information. This gradual process enables them to support their children consistently, fostering a safe and nurturing home environment where their child feels empowered to embrace their identity with pride.

Conversely, LGBTQ+ individuals should build a foundation of trust with their families regarding their life choices. By actively promoting gender equality through work, social interactions, and spreading positive values, they can demonstrate their reliability and strength, ultimately fostering pride and security within their family unit.