Occupational Empowerment: Employment Barriers and Economic Pathways for Transgender Women in Vietnam

Abstract Book of the 5th International Conference on LGBT studies

Year: 2026

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Occupational Empowerment: Employment Barriers and Economic Pathways for Transgender Women in Vietnam

Jian Li, Cathy Reback, Sherry Larkins, Dung Van Do, Phuong Thi Lan Tran, Trang Nguyen Nhu Nguyen, Nguyen Hoang Danh, Tien Thi My Nguyen, Liwei Chen, Chunqing Lin

ABSTRACT:

Background: Transgender women experience pervasive social disadvantages, with employment discrimination and financial insecurity posing major barriers to accessing healthcare and social services. Understanding these barriers and identifying viable pathways to financial empowerment are critical for this population.
Methods: We conducted 27 in-depth interviews and five focus groups with 26 transgender women in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. In addition, a Photovoice activity engaged ten transgender women representatives from two community-based organizations to document lived experiences and articulate visions for workforce participation and financial independence.
Results: Participants, even skilled workers and college graduates, reported being denied employment, dismissed from jobs, or restricted to non–customer-facing roles (e.g., kitchen or dishwashing work) due to cultural stigma related to gender expression and structural barriers related to identity documents. Many had to conceal their gender identity at work or engage in informal/unstable jobs (performances at fairs/weddings/funerals; bar or pub work; beauty-related labor; online sales). Some participants reported workplace sexual harassment or coercion. The Photovoice activity highlighted empowering employment pathways, including being business owners, public figures advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and peer navigators linking vulnerable populations to healthcare/social services, which fostered confidence, financial independence, and a sense of meaningful social contribution.
Conclusions: This study highlighted the employment challenges among transgender women in Vietnam stemming from cultural stigma and structural barriers. Future interventions should strengthen employment-oriented LGBTQ+ networks, identify/disseminate inclusive employment and financial empowerment opportunities (e.g., skills training and microfinancing), and reinforce institutional protections for LGBTQ+ workers to support financial independence and social mobility.

Keywords: Transgender women, Occupational health, Social Movement, Vietnam