The Color+ Connection
Vietnam | Color+ Connection | 2023
Xin chào!
We are Color+ Connection, an LGBTQIA+ support club at Can Tho College in Vietnam, founded by members of the Be Friends Club.
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18 - 24 years old
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The Right-Sized Problem
Baseline surveys from 10 universities and colleges in Can Tho City showed that both students and teachers had negative views on gender expressions that were different from the norm. These also showed a lack of knowledge about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE).
What did we do?
At Color+ Connection, we believe that, “Each of us is a unique color, no one is the same, and everyone has the right to shine in their own way.” We want to get this message across so that perceptions of the college community on LGBTQIA+ change. Through targeted activities aimed at both teachers and students, our campaign set out to raise awareness and promote an environment where every person could express themselves freely and without judgment.
More than 650 students from the Can Tho College of Medicine, Can Tho Vocational College, and Can Tho University of Technology attended our knowledge-sharing sessions, where we talked about gender diversity and the LGBTQIA+ community. We also invited an LGBTQIA+ community-based organization to share their experiences and stories. These weren’t just lectures, but opportunities for all participants to engage in interactive dialogues and broaden their perspectives.
To influence our teachers, we held the groundbreaking "Say NO to Gender Stereotypes for Teachers" festival. Over 60 educators from Can Tho College and Can Tho Technology University participated in unique exercises. In one activity, male and female teachers swapped roles, with women creating wooden flower baskets and men arranging flowers, challenging traditional gender roles. This was a powerful way to change views on gender-based stereotypes and discrimination, helping promote a culture of shared work no matter your gender identity.
Our campaign culminated with the “Integration and Connection” festival, which coincided with the city’s Traditional Student Days. This event provided a safe space for students and communities to connect with those from the LGBTQIA+ group. With over 1,000 attendees, the festival featured interactive booths, cultural showcases and information centers dedicated to SOGIE and the LGBTQIA+ community. Booths showcased products and services from companies that support our mission, encouraging a sense of unity and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The presence of a Vietnamese Assembly Representative from Can Tho City helped boost our campaign’s visibility and led to positive results. His participation influenced other schools that at first hesitated to hold LGBTQIA+ events. He also committed to joining the March 2024 dialogue with the LGBTQIA+ community in the Rainbow Voices project and showing support for the draft Law of Gender Affirmation, which will allow transpeople to be officially recognized by the government. These were key successes to our campaign, a testament to the importance and necessity of our mission.
Campaign Impact
Change was evident within 4 months of the campaign–and even after! Through the different activities, students, teachers and other community members created meaningful interactions and started new friendships. Participants were eager to try something new and discovered something about themselves in the process! Women realized that they could also do the work that men do, while the men learned that gender is not the only basis for a person’s capability. They are taking these lessons into their daily work, making sure that responsibilities are shared regardless of gender.
Armed with new knowledge on gender diversity and SOGIE, more students are looking forward to similar activities. Schools are now encouraged to support activities held by LGBTQIA+ youth. This campaign has laid the groundwork for a future where everyone is encouraged to shine in their unique way, a future of acceptance and inclusion in Can Tho.
Impact in Numbers
30,000 people reached online
1,700 campaign participants
2 features on local television
Words from our participant
“SHIFT GAVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD AND GUIDE YOUNG PEOPLE TO IMPLEMENT A CAMPAIGN AND I WAS VERY PROUD TO SEE THE CHANGES OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE 3.5 MONTHS OF THE CAMPAIGN.”
Quynh Anh
