A series of activities of Viet Pride 2016 with the theme “Be yourself. Free to Love” have been taking place across 35 cities and provinces of Vietnam in July and August 2016 to emphasize the freedom of expression, staying true to who you are and loving without discrimination.
The two biggest events of VietPride 2016 will take place in Hanoi from 19 – 21 August and Ho Chi Minh City from 26 – 28 August. There will be many diverse and versatile activities including workshops, a showing of short films, documentaries, art exhibitions, contemporary performances, talks with PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), a contest on same-sex marriage rights, an informational booth for Rainbow School, outdoor activities and the Parade with participations of many LGBTQ+ members, allies, parents, as well as celebrities, in over the country. Each of these activities revolves around the central theme of embracing the freedom of expression and freedom to love – both very important to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Viet Pride is the biggest annual event for the LGBTQ+ community focusing on celebrating the freedom of love and personal expression, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Global pride events, including VietPride in Vietnam, were not created to celebrate us being LGBTQ+(2), but to remind us that every LGBTQ+ individual has the right to exist, the right to freely express, and the right to be protected by the law without discrimination, much like any other citizen.
On November 24th, 2015, the Civil Code Amendment was passed by the Vietnam Congress, which includes Article 37. Article 37 recognizes the right to change one’s sex and to have personal rights be consistent with the new gender. This has had and will continue to have a very positive impact on the transgender community - they now have the freedom to be who they are and be accepted, supported, and protected by the law. Similarly, this is also beneficial for the LGBTQ+ community as it is a proof that our rights campaigns have begun to gain definite success.
This year’s VietPride which is themed “Be yourself. Free to Love” helps the Ministry of Health to complete the sex change rules and once again, brings up the Right to get married for LGBTQ+ couples. This theme will not only help empower the transgender people, but also for every community member.
VietPride is organized by collective efforts of LGBTQ+ community, Institue for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (ISEE) in Hanoi and ICS Center in Ho Chi Minh City with great supports from European Union Delegation in Vietnam, Oxfam in Vietnam and other donors to join hands building a more tolerant society and environment that simultaneously honors diversity.
All contributions from individuals or organizations concerning VietPride will help give people a more tolerant perspective, erase the negative impacts of discrimination and together and shape a better future.
In Ho Chi Minh City
Mr. Huynh Minh Thao
Communication & Service Manager
ICS | Equal Rights for LGBT
Address: Suite 21-A2, Copac Square Bldg., 12 Ton Dan St., Dist. 4, HCMC,
Tel: +84 8 3940 5140 (ext. 107) | Mobile: +84 908 339900
Email: thao.huynh@ics.org.vn |vietpride@ics.org.vn
In Hanoi
Mr. Luong The Huy
LGBT Rights Program Manager
Institute for Studies of Society, Economy, and Environment (iSEE)
Room 203, D10 Giang Vo (Lake View Building), Giang Vo, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Tel: (844) 62 73 79 35
Cell: (84) 0907 159 159
Email: lthuy@isee.org.vn
35 cities and provinces participate in VietPride 2016 including: Lang Son, Lao Cai, Hai Duong, Thai Binh, Quang Ngai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Ha Tinh, Hai Phong, An Giang, Ha Giang, Quang Binh, Tay Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Da Lat, Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Can Tho, Vinh Long, My Tho, Thai Nguyen, Nghe An, Binh Dinh, Da Nang, Daklak, Hue, Dong Thap, Dong Nai, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
All VietPride information can be found on its official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/vietpride.vn