The project, which will be administered by the Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (iSEE), aims to reduce discrimination against these groups through community education.

The project will directly reach almost 20,000 students, and 200 lesbians and gays, bisexual and transgender people and their parents and friends in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

It will use art-based activities such as contemporary plays and exhibitions to raise awareness about the rights of lesbians and gays, bisexual and transgender people.

Under the project, training will be held to improve local officers’ understanding of the challenges these groups face, and help reduce discrimination. The project will also improve access to legal advice for people from these groups who are victims of discrimination.

“Lesbians and gays, bisexual and transgender people are part of society, and their legal needs and rights should be respected,” said Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Allaster Cox.

• Vietnamese movie on lesbian couples to be screened at ASEAN film fest

• Vietnamese movie to be shown at Berlin int’l film festival