Les Go to Hanoi Pride

Pride. Fest. Pride fest is the culmination of beautiful minds coming together to broadcast the rich, diverse cultures that comprise the rainbow of the LGBT+ community. Do I live for it? Yes, yes I do. Les get some life, Les Go to Hanoi Pride.

I was so blown away by the presentation, the event, that was Hanoi Pride 2019. For a country that really doesn’t do public display of affection, like ever, there was so much love to give at this parade. Hanoi Pride was actually a week long event that held forums, exhibits and parties all over the town.

Now, disclaimer: I’m old and career-minded now so I don’t get as hype as I used to about Pride mostly because a B*tch is tired. So I really only went to a few events but the ones I did go to filled my heart to capacity and beyond.

The first event we went to was an exhibition on the drag culture in Hanoi. I remember the first drag show I went to here and I was surprised. The queens were glowing and there was such a positive scene. To see all the queens in their full glory filled my heart to the brim.

The second event we ventured to was held at this really cool, young hippy compound place called 60s Square. This a spot where all the cool, artsy kids hang out. I’ve never wanted to be a 24 year old Vietnamese woman in my life as when I am at this place. I dig the artsy-hippy scene here, their fashion is just the amount of boho-chic that I can appreciate.

This exhibit featured the power of words. Taking the slurs and making it ours; from Fag to Fab. It was immensely interesting to see the amount of Vietnamese words intertwined with English, Korean, Japanese and more. Though different languages, the power is still the same.

Pride Parade

And the grand finale culminated in the pride parade where we sauntered past Hoan Kiem lake in all our glory. This was definitely the most calm pride parade I’ve ever been to. There were no half naked men in thongs, minimal glitter and no bands or music. But there was love. And families, and children, and tourist, and locals, and embassies, and gawkers. All of it was special and everyone had their purpose.

Of all the Embassies that were there and of all the international flags that were flying high, the one flag I didn’t see was the American flag. And let me tell you, I felt some type of way. Give me one good reason why Canada, Holland, Ireland, Great Britain, Norway, and Japan were present but you weren’t, America! Miss me with that mess. (The main event was hosted at the American Club which is part of the Embassy but, we weren’t present out in them streets)!

I have pride 365 but it is always special to share my love with my people. I often feel like who I am gets lost out here, but this week brought me back.