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. |