A vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion marched down Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. The colorful parade, held on Saturday afternoon, was a highlight of VietPride Week, an annual event advocating for the rights and visibility of the LGBTI+ community in Vietnam.
The energetic crowd, a beautiful mix of young locals and foreigners, carried rainbow flags with pride, sending a powerful message of positivity and acceptance. Their enthusiasm filled the air as they marched, starting at 4:00 p.m., uniting under the common goal of supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and individuals with diverse gender identities.
Among the participants was Lewis, an American traveler who embraced the opportunity to connect with the LGBTI+ community. He shared his joy in witnessing their fulfillment and the opportunities they have to thrive and shine in Vietnam. Lewis also commended the open-mindedness of the Vietnamese youth he met during the parade.
The event held a special significance for Minh Hanh, a young member of the LGBTI+ community. She expressed her happiness and newfound confidence, attributing it to the unwavering support and encouragement she received from both the community and Vietnamese society as a whole.
This year’s VietPride theme, ‘Da Toi Luc’ (It’s Time for Inclusion), resonates deeply with the community’s aspirations. As quoted on their Facebook page, the organizers emphasized the urgency of LGBTI+ inclusion, stating, “With the draft gender affirmation law to be presented to the National Assembly in October 2024 and growing social support for same-sex marriage, the time is now for Vietnamese society to embrace progress and ensure the rights and respect of LGBTI+ individuals.”
The parade served as a powerful platform for the community’s voice to be heard and their presence to be seen and respected. It also highlighted the economic and cultural contributions of the LGBTI+ community to Vietnam, underscoring the importance of their inclusion in all spheres of life.
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| A beautiful moment of solidarity: A foreign woman, donning a white T-shirt, warmly embraces a participant during the LGBTI+ community parade on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, capturing the true spirit of inclusion. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
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| A heartwarming sight: Lewis, an American man (center), joins the parade with his loving family by his side, standing in solidarity with the LGBTI+ community. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
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| A proud moment: A participant boldly holds up a banner, celebrating their identity and advocating for LGBTI+ rights during the parade. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
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| A powerful display of support: Employees of a foreign-invested enterprise in Vietnam proudly wave rainbow flags, standing in solidarity with their LGBTI+ colleagues and friends. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
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| United in Pride: Participants carry a massive rainbow flag, symbolizing the unity and diversity of the LGBTI+ community during the parade. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
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| A celebration of love and acceptance: Two young individuals pose for a photo, capturing the joy and freedom of being their authentic selves at the parade. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
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| A united front: Foreign and Vietnamese participants come together, standing strong as a global community, celebrating diversity and inclusion. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
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| A memorable encounter: A foreign participant poses for a photo, capturing the joy and camaraderie of the parade, a testament to the power of unity and acceptance. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
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