Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities in Vietnam are disproportionately affected by HIV, stigma and discrimination. On the occasion of IDAHOT on May 17, USAID’s Support for Technical Excellence and Private Sector Sustainability in Vietnam (STEPS) activity co-developed a campaign with partners to celebrate IDAHOT and promote HIV services to a wider key population (KP) community. A visual package, including a Facebook avatar and a series of intriguing online posts, were aired on the “Rainbow Village” and “Be Me. Be Sexy” platforms and cross-shared by KP influencers and clinics, receiving 27,000 views and 850 reactions within a few days of launching. A livestream titled “IDAHOT – Talk with us” on Blued, the most popular dating app among men who have sex with men in Vietnam, was also implemented by Glink Hanoi, a KP-led clinic, to provide information on IDAHOT, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and HIV self-testing, and five participants registered for PrEP during the livestream. Additionally, online activities, promotional corners, and mini-games implemented during a Pride Night event organized by Ruby social enterprise and Khong Khoang Cach community-based organization provided 70 participants with useful information on HIV, PrEP, safe sex and condom use.
Leveraging the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community on KP-centered occasions like IDAHOT helps link individuals to HIV prevention services and further build the friendly, professional, and trendy reputation of USAID-supported clinics and social enterprises so that they stay “top of mind” for KPs seeking HIV services.