Vietnamese YouTuber among four pioneering Southeast Asian LGBTQ+ creators

"Dustin Phuc Nguyen gave up a potential TV host career as a VJ for MTV channel in 2016 to co-start his YouTube channel, Dustin On The Go, where he hosts his own creative shows, starring top celebrities and influencers," YouTube said in a blog post on June 18.

Dustin Phuc Nguyen is among four pioneering LGBTQ+ creators in Southeast Asia. Photo courtesy of YouTube.

Many of his talk shows have become very popular, including ‘Bar Stories,’ in which he meets and talks with celebrities while drinking cocktails, and ‘Caraoke with Dustin.’

He came out as gay in a talk show on national television in 2019 and has since been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2020, he ran ‘Love Is Blind,’ a blind date talk show that connected couples of all genders.

"We want to explore topics that are often on the sidelines of the mainstream discussion," he once told media outlet Vietcetera in an interview.

"There are many untold stories in this world and even more talented people, but they get little recognition."

On being honored as a pioneer LGBTQ+ creator, he said in a Facebook post, "Nothing makes me happier than doing my favorite work and being myself."

The others honored were Brendan Tan of Singapore, Mikey Bustos of the Philippines and Koen Danai of Thailand.

The four seek to use YouTube to raise awareness, build safe communities, support others, and advocate for the acceptance and equal rights for their communities across Southeast Asia, the platform said.