The bustling streets of Saigon, Vietnam, with their harmonious chaos of sights and sounds, formed the backdrop of my early years. Born with the name Binh, which means ‘peace’ in Vietnamese, it was a cherished gift from my maternal grandfather.
My life took a sharp turn when I decided to move to Australia at the age of 15. A new land, new customs, and a new identity awaited me.
Australia was a melting pot of cultures, yet I quickly realized that not every aspect of my identity would easily blend in. The uniqueness of my Vietnamese heritage became particularly prominent during my school years. At school, my name, Binh, was often the subject of mockery as children would equate it with a rubbish ‘bin’. The desire to fit in and weight of the teasing became so burdensome that my pastor at church suggested a change – from Binh to Tim. This was meant to be a fresh start, a way to integrate more seamlessly into the English-speaking culture.
As I transitioned to my professional life, working as a speech pathologist, the challenges around my name persisted. Although ‘Tim’ didn’t quite feel like me, I worried that a Vietnamese name might form a barrier between my clients and myself. Would they question my qualifications? Would they confide in someone whose name felt foreign to them? Seeking a middle ground, I adopted the name ‘Ben’. It felt more neutral, and I hoped it would build trust more effortlessly.
For several years, I practiced as Ben. It was an identity that sat better than Tim but was still a mask that I wore. Until one day, I had a moment of introspection. Here I was, helping people find their voice, when I had silenced an integral part of mine. Was I doing a disservice to myself and to those who looked up to me by hiding my true identity?
With a renewed sense of purpose, I decided to revert to my original name – Binh. The worries that had plagued me about clients and trust seemed trivial now. If my work spoke for itself, the name should not matter. And as I predicted, my clients continued to seek my help, unfazed by the name change.
This journey has taught me a powerful lesson about identity and the importance of embracing one’s roots. Changing our names to fit into an English-speaking environment might seem like a harmless adaptation, but in reality, it’s a relinquishing of a part of our identity.
To everyone who has faced similar struggles – remember that your name is a beautiful reflection of your heritage and culture. It’s a story, an identity, and a connection to your roots. Binh, which signifies peace, was not just a name but a representation of my Vietnamese heritage. Don’t hide it, embrace it. Be proud of who you are, because your true identity is not a barrier but a strength.
Much love,
Binh
Binh Doan 