Hundreds of people from the LGBTI+ community and their friends, along with foreigners, have joined a parade in downtown Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate this year’s VietPride, an annual event aimed at appealing for equality and respect for LGBTI+ members in Vietnam.

The parade took place on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1 on Saturday afternoon as part of a series of activities within the VietPride Week Ho Chi Minh City 2024, slated for September 21-29.

A diverse crowd of young people and tourists, including many foreigners, participated in the parade which began at 4:00 pm, waving rainbow flags to promote positive energy within the LGBTI+ community.

The event was intended to support people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and other gender identities.

Lewis, an American traveler who joined the parade, expressed his enjoyment in conversing with members of the LGBTI+ community.

He shared his happiness for them, noting that they lead fulfilling lives and have opportunities to shine and develop themselves in Vietnam.

The foreigner also commented that all the young Vietnamese people he met at the event were open-minded.

Minh Hanh, a young member of the LGBTI+ community, shared that she has felt happy and confident, striving to improve herself with the support and encouragement from both the community and society.

‘Da Toi Luc’ (It’s Time for Inclusion) was chosen as this year’s VietPride to express the aspirations and amplify the voice of the LGBTI+ community, according to the Facebook page of VietPride.

“As the draft gender affirmation law is to be presented to the National Assembly in October 2024 and social support for same-sex marriage has never been higher, we believe that there is no better time than now for Vietnamese society to become a part of LGBTI+ rights progress taking place in the country and the region,” the event’s organizer said on the page.

The organizer emphasized that it is time for LGBTI+ individuals to be seen, heard, and respected, with guaranteed equal rights.

They called for Vietnamese society and law to recognize the contributions of the LGBTI+ community to the local economy and culture, and to continue efforts to ensure their inclusion in all aspects of life.

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