HCM CITY (VNS)— The theme of shame and societal prejudice against LGBT individuals was explored in the musical Questions vs. Exclamations, held recently in Ha Noi and HCM City by the Viet Nam National Drama Theatre and the PEPFAR programme at the US Embassy in Viet Nam.

Held in commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), which is usually marked in May, the event offered opportunities to engage with media, policymakers, the public and wider civil society about LGBT rights, according to Professor Wayne Wiebel, head of the Office of Health at the US Agency of International Development (USAID) in HCM City.

Focusing on young people and the challenges they encounter, and how they respond in different situations, it is one of several activities of PEPFAR that raise public awareness about social and health risks faced by Viet Nam's vulnerable communities.

Through the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the US aims to create a positive environment that can help LGBT individuals have better access to healthcare and social services.-VNS