Rainbow connection: Pedalling through more than 20 provinces and cities, Oanh is drawing attention to gay rights. — VNS Photo

NINH BINH — A third-year psychology student of the University of Social Sciences and Humanity has completed the days of her trans-Viet Nam bicycle tour aimed at garnering support for the gay community.

The 22-year-old Vu Kieu Oanh, began her 35-day bicycle tour from Ha Noi's Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on Monday.

Oanh, who herself confesses that she is not a lesbian, said she had planned this trip with a group of friends last year, aiming to raise awareness of environmental protection.

However, Oanh decided that she would focus on gay rights as they pedalled through more than 20 provinces and cities.

She has received warm support from the LGBT community after posting updates on the journey on her Facebook page.

She explains there that she has had the opportunity to talk to many lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transsexual people.

"I saw that they are discriminated against, ostracized and even beaten by others. That's why I hope the community will give them the respect they deserve and treat them as equals."

Oanh's task of riding more than 1,855km is not an easy one. Here hands have already developed blisters after riding 64km to Phu Ly in Ninh Binh Province. She decided not to stop and wore gloves because she was afraid she would not be able to catch up with her friends, she wrote in her Facebook entry.

Oanh and her group plan to reach Phu Quoc Island on August 10 and Rach Gia City in Kien Giang Province a day later. They will ride to HCM City on August 12 and fly back to Ha Noi the next day. — VNS