It’s officially Pride Month: Here’s everything DKT Mekong is doing!

By Yinn Mar Phoo, DKT Mekong – Posted on 20/06/2025

June is not just another month for us; it’s Pride Month! A vibrant time when we celebrate “love, diversity, and equality” of LGBTQIA+ communities around the globe. Beyond celebration, it is also a crucial period for challenging societal taboos, dismantling stigma, and fostering open dialogue to Shout—Loud and Proud for diversity in all its forms. It traces its roots back to the 1969 Stonewall riots.

DKT’s legacy in Vietnam dates back to 1993, where we have worked to promote sexual health education, reproductive health, STI/HIV prevention, and safe abortion. With our expansion into Cambodia and Laos since 2023, DKT Mekong is now actively forging robust collaborative efforts with established community organizations and institutions and key opinion leaders within the Mekong region. For us, PRIDE represents not merely an annual observance, but a continuous movement that DKT Mekong is steadfastly committed to embracing every single day.

Our core message, delivered with conviction, is: “Sex is fun. Sex is pleasure.”

This belief underscores our unwavering conviction that every individual, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation, merits equitable access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services that are both affirming and empowering. DKT Mekong proudly articulates this fundamental principle in our vision statement: “A world where all children are wanted, sex is great, and people are free.”

Celebrating Pride with Action—Not Just Words

On May 24, 2025, DKT Mekong proudly participated in Pride Fest Cambodia at Koh Norea, Phnom Penh—a landmark event and one of Cambodia’s largest Pride gatherings. Attended by over 5,000 individuals, this all-day celebration was a vibrant display of unity, featuring rainbow run, remork pride race, pride Walk, live concerts, and drag drama show. The energy, vivid colors, and resonant message that identities matter, and that love, acceptance, and equal rights are universally celebrated, were truly inspiring.

Live Concert and Crown to the most talented and well-dressed PRIDE Queen

Our collaboration with Pride Cambodia, an NGO dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices through art and advocacy, was pivotal. Since 2022, Pride Cambodia has organized the nation’s largest free Pride festival, an event honoring queer history, celebrating love, and boldly advocating for a brighter, more inclusive future. Supported by the UN/NGOs such as UNFPA, UNAIDS, and LGBTQIA+ organizations, Pride Fest 2025 marked a significant milestone for the community.

Remork Race at PRIDE FEST

DKT Mekong team at PRIDE Fest

DKT Mekong participated and supported the festivities by distributing over 1,000 samples of Fiesta imported premium condoms, alongside informative flyers with QR codes providing direct access to the DKT Mekong website and Fiesta Cambodia educational/informative materials. Attendees happily received Fiesta samples and giveaways and engaged in open, comfortable conversations around sexual health. The dynamic presence of our young Gen-Z promotional team significantly enhanced the positive and welcoming atmosphere.

Fiesta Sampling at PRIDE Fest| Surprise! Fun!

Voices from the Fest: Community Perspectives

Gathering direct feedback from attendees and partner organizations remains invaluable, offering authentic insights into the impact of our collective efforts:

“I was so surprised to see Fiesta, something new being introduced to us! It’s playful and Perfect for Pride.”

“Now we can party in style! It’s SO COOL to see protection that feels fun and made with us in mind, colorful, confident, and joyful. Thanks to DKT Mekong for the support and participation,” an organizer from Pride Cambodia graciously stated“

Another NGO member added, “We’re so glad you’re here—free condoms, distributed in a fun way with laughs and smiles, are a reminder that our LGBTQ+ communities can embrace sexual health free from stigma.”

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum of Pride

Grounded in scientific accuracy, our educational tools and content are designed in fun and sex-positive ways to break down barriers and empower individuals. We believe vibrancy and a sex-positive spark are indispensable elements of our educational methodology. 

As a powerful voice from our team, Khoi, shares: “Pride Month is not just a milestone – it is the echo of deep, burning desires to live authentically, to be loved, and to be seen. As a member of LGBTQIA+ community and of DKT Mekong – an organization at the forefront of advocating sexual and reproductive health rights – my heart is filled with profound pride. Pride in having the courage to step beyond limitations, to love, and to live truthfully. Pride in being part of a bold and compassionate organization, where every individual — regardless of their differences — is welcomed, respected, and celebrated.”

As DKT Mekong looks toward the future, we will continue to celebrate and support everyone’s unique diversity, including gender, sexual orientation, race and all the ways we are different, yet beautifully connected!

DKT Mekong team having fun with participants at the Pride event. 

DKT Mekong is a proud supporter of freedom. Happy PRIDE!

By Yinn Mar Phoo, DKT Mekong