“ Drag, I think, is also just a form of art that it doesn't really require you to have any experience in art.” - Gia Nguyen

Gia’s story is one of resilience, self-expression, and community-building, and I think that really shines through in our discussion. It was insightful, energetic, and, most importantly, a conversation that truly needed to be had. 

We talked about everything from craft beer to drag culture in Vietnam, and Gia’s perspective on how the country is evolving was fascinating.

What really struck me was how accepting Vietnam is of the LGBTQ+ community, especially compared to some other countries. 

Gia shared that while there are still challenges, the overall cultural attitude is one of curiosity rather than judgment. It’s refreshing to hear that queer people can express themselves openly without fear of widespread discrimination. This is one of the reasons I love Vietnam so much – the people here may be conservative in some ways, but they also have a deep-rooted respect for others living their truths.

Gia’s journey into drag was another highlight for me. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision that led to years of performances, community organizing, and the creation of Peach, a space where people of all identities can express themselves. That level of passion and commitment to representation is something that truly deserves recognition.

• Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways:
- LGBTQ+ acceptance in Vietnam is deeply rooted in traditional religious practices
- Vietnamese society tends to be curious rather than judgmental about LGBTQ+ expression|
- Workplace discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is relatively rare in modern Vietnam
- Discussion of common misconceptions about Vietnam being stuck in wartime
- Observations about Vietnam's rapid economic development and wealth generation

Chapters and TimeStamps:
02:00 - Craft Beer Scene in Vietnam
05:00 - Journey into Drag Performance 
14:00 - Family Acceptance and Coming Out 
24:00 - LGBTQ+ Acceptance in Vietnamese Society 
31:00 - Modern Vietnam and Economic Growth

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