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| Cheerful attendees at the Hanoi Pride 2023 opening ceremony. |
With the theme “Generations of Pride,” this year’s Hanoi Pride encourages participants to reflect on and celebrate the important milestones of individuals and the LGBTQI+ community over the past decades.
The opening ceremony was held at COMPLEX 01 in Hanoi on September 18, with the participation of diplomatic representatives, NGOs, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and young people from across the capital.
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| Julien Guerrier, Ambassador-Designate of the European Union to Vietnam, at the event. |
In his opening remarks, Julien Guerrier, Ambassador-Designate of the European Union to Vietnam, expressed the EU’s support for equality and justice for the LGBTQI+ community in Vietnam. He emphasized the importance of providing access to services, opportunities, and the realization of dreams and aspirations for the community. Guerrier also highlighted the significance of events like Hanoi Pride 2023 in promoting acceptance and inclusivity.
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| Simon Kreye, Charge d’Affaires of the German Embassy in Hanoi, at the event. |
Simon Kreye, Charge d’Affaires of the German Embassy in Hanoi, emphasized the importance of Hanoi Pride 2023 in raising awareness, facilitating the sharing of stories and emotions among queer individuals of different generations, and promoting unity and responsibility across generations.
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| Betty Queen (L) talks to the audience after her enthusiastic performance. |
The opening ceremony featured art performances associated with queerness in Vietnam. Betty Queen, a renowned drag performer, captivated the audience with her impressive dance moves and dazzling outfits. Betty Queen, who has been performing drag shows since 2015, expressed optimism about the changing societal attitudes towards the LGBTIQ+ community and drag performers in Vietnam.
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| The audience cheering during Betty Queen’s performance. |
“When I started, drag was not widely accepted in the conservative society of northern Vietnam. The community was small, with few individuals who understood and performed this art. We faced financial constraints and difficulties in managing a team, or ‘haus’ as we call it. A ‘haus’ is typically led by ‘mothers’ and ‘fathers’ who provide guidance and support to their ‘children’,” shared Betty Queen.
“I have my own haus, VicTeam, which was established in 2014 as a support network for transgender individuals in Hai Phong. Now, my ‘children’ have grown up, and I have also joined another haus as a ‘grandmother’.”
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| Phung, a Lo To artist. |
Phung delivered an energetic Lo To performance during the opening ceremony. Lo To, a popular game in southern Vietnam similar to Bingo, is often organized by transgender women. In recent years, Lo To has gained further popularity and professionalism, offering promising opportunities for the livelihoods of queer individuals in the industry.
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| Hanoi Pride 2023 runs from September 15 to September 24 in Hanoi. |
Hanoi Pride, which first took place in 2012, has evolved into an annual event advocating for the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community in Vietnam. Through various activities, Hanoi Pride empowers and celebrates the LGBTQI+ community, fosters diversity and equality, and plays a significant role in spreading pride and acceptance throughout Vietnam.
