US Ambassador Ted Osius founded GLIFAA – an organization dedicated to representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender personnel, their families and their straight allies – 23 years ago.

GLIFAA was formed for the purpose of challenging US policies that denied security clearances to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender personnel (LGBT) people and has been officially recognized as a US State Department and USAID employee association.

The organization advocates advancing diversity and workplace equity in not only US foreign affairs agencies and human rights for LGBT people— but in other nation governments around the globe as well.

Ambassador Osius has now brought his advocacy for LGBT people to Vietnam and on May 17 will sponsor an event entitled BUBU town, which stands for Be Unique. Be U at the American Club at 21-23 Hai Ba Trung St, Hanoi.

The event aims to create a unique zone of freedom, tolerance and equality for LGBT people.

BUBU will include different areas, such as a costume corner, initiative corner, exhibition area, flea market, and entertainment area where LBGT people can enjoy their day together.

Through the event, Ambassador Osius and co-organizers want to send the message that LGBT people can leave behind the sense of inferiority and shame about themselves as well as the crowd’s opinions.

In recent years, Vietnam has achieved significant progress in protecting and promoting LGBT rights. With active changes in society and laws, Vietnam is acknowledged by the international community as one of the countries making the most rapid progress in Asia for protecting LGBT rights.

The event is co-organized by the Institute for Studies of Society, Economics and Environment (iSEE), United Nations in Vietnam (UN) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to mark the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT).