The organizers of Vietnam’s largest public celebration of LGBTI pride are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year, with 200 people taking part in its first pride bike ride in 2012 and 250 in 2013.

Hanoi’s annual Viet Pride ride is a convoy of people on bicycles and motorbikes, carrying rainbow flags and messages of equality, which is also supported by a program of events.

In 2014 Viet Pride will be celebrated on the first weekend of August and will aim to raise awareness of sexual diversity and the right to love that every person regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity is entitled to.

Viet Pride 2014 will also put a strong emphasis on forging connections and solidarity among LGBTI groups from all over Vietnam through a series of discussions and networking activities.

The event is being held with the support and involvement of civil society organizations from both northern and southern Vietnam, as well as foreign embassies, social enterprises, and the strategic partner of Viet Pride – the Goethe Institute.

The organizing committee also hopes to involve LGBTI organizations from overseas to exchange ideas and build bridges internationally.

Speaking of the progress of Viet Pride, director of the event since 2012 Nguyen Thanh Tam said, ‘Viet Pride is making small, yet firm and consistent, steps in fostering social acceptance and respect that has been sorely lacking in the Vietnamese society.’

‘I am glad that in only three years, Viet Pride has grown to become an annual tradition and symbol of respect for diversity, with Vietnamese LGBTQ youth and allies quickly becoming the leading force.

‘I also appreciate the fact that Viet Pride has proven to be not an isolated event or confined within Vietnam but part of the global LGBTQ movement that is changing the world in a way unimaginable just a few decades ago.’

Organizers are yet to release the details of the full schedule of events but these are expected to be posted on the Viet Pride website shortly.