Pride parade takes over Hanoi's streets

At around 2 p.m. on Sunday, many young people marched through the streets of the capital for the 2022 Hanoi Pride event.

Hanoi Pride is the largest celebration of the year for the LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Queer) community in Hanoi. The event's goal is to foster love and acceptance of people's sexual orientation and gender presentation.

The main event, the "rainbow parade," began at 4:30 p.m. when hundreds of locals , foreigners living in Hanoi and tourists paraded around Hoan Kiem Lake.

A man holds up a rainbow flag while walking in the LGBTIQ+ parade.

Nguyen Chi Khang (R) said: "I'm excited because this is my first time in the Pride parade. Through the parade, I hope to spread a positive message, promote self-confidence and encourage others to be true to themselves. I've noticed that society's attitude toward the LGBTIQ+ community has shifted in recent years. People are becoming more aware of gender diversity and different sexual orientations, as well as other genders."

"As I walk down the street, I feel like my presence is known to society," Nguyen Sa (R) said.

With the theme "Go Cua Mo Yeu Thuong" ("Knock knock! It’s love!"), Hanoi Pride took place between September 19 and 25 and featured a number of events like movie screenings, talk shows, workshops, and match-making.

On August 8, the Ministry of Health said since homosexuality is not a disease and thus cannot and should not be "cured," medical examination and treatment facilities must be respectful of all gender identities and provide equal healthcare access opportunities.

"Love Is Love," "Happy Pride," and "Asexuality Is Not Invisible" were among the slogans chanted by LGBTIQ+ supporters.

A group of friends could not hide their joy and excitement at participating in the event.