What's life like for LGBTQ people in Vietnam?
Let's take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Vietnam? Let's take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is it legal to be gay?
Same-sex sexual activity has never been addressed in Vietnam’s criminal code.
The age of consent is 16, regardless of sexuality.
Is there anti-discrimination legislation in place?
There are some limited protections but more work is required.
Is there marriage equality?
The position regarding marriage equality is a bit confusing in Vietnam - there have been a number of initiatives that seem to be positive steps towards legal recognition of same-sex relationships however, as it currently stands, there is no meaningful legal recognition.
What’s it like for LGBTQ people who live there?
Same-sex relations are generally considered taboo within Vietnamese society, although awareness and acceptance has been improving in recent years.
Vietnam’s first gay pride event was held in Hanoi in 2012.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City both have gay scenes, but gay venues still keep a low profile.
Most gay Vietnamese have to conceal their sexuality from their families and friends and a lot of stigma remains.
