With little explanation from government authorities, Vietnam is increasingly adopting an open, positive stance towards the LGBT community. In recent years the country has overturned legislation outlawing same-sex marriage and cohabitation, and implemented a new policy allowing trans people to change their gender on official documents.
The LGBT community in Vietnam is estimated to number over 1.5 million, and according to experts, allowing LGBT people to live more openly has been good for the Vietnamese economy. People who feel comfortable being out are more likely to be more productive and invested in their work, and being open means more LGBT people socialize outside the home and take in commercial activities.
While workplace discrimination and family and school issues are still issues in Vietnam, the country is nevertheless a leader in Southeast Asia on the issue of LGBT rights. Thailand does not recognize same-sex relationships, and gay sex is outlawed in Malaysia and Singapore.