Vietnam is considered one of the most tolerant countries in Southeast Asia – queer life is present in everyday life, if rather quietly. Since 2012 a self-confident movement has grown with VietPride, and the scenes in Saigon and Hanoi are young and open.
Legal situation: Homosexuality has never been a criminal offence. Since 2015 same-sex wedding ceremonies are no longer banned, but such marriages are not legally recognised. In 2022 the Ministry of Health clarified that homosexuality is not an illness; statutory protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation is lacking.