Gay Vietnam: My First Ballroom Culture Experience in Saigon

So… I accidentally went to my first ballroom event in Vietnam.

What I thought was going to be a casual drag-show-adjacent night turned into a full-on introduction to gay ballroom culture in Saigon—and honestly? It was chaotic, passionate, a little messy… but kind of beautiful.

Let’s get into it.

What Is Ballroom Culture (And Why It Matters in Gay Vietnam)

If you’re new here, gay ballroom culture isn’t just about walking dramatically down a runway (although yes, that’s part of it).

It’s:

• Performance

• Competition

• Expression

• Community

Originating from Black and Latino LGBTQ+ communities, ballroom culture has slowly been making its way into different parts of the world—and now, we’re seeing early signs of it in gay Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.

And let me tell you… it’s still in its baby era.

First Impressions: Late Starts & Gay Timing

The event was supposed to start at 6 PM.

Naturally, nothing happened until much later.

Honestly, if you combine:

• Vietnamese timing

• Gay timing

You get… absolutely no timing at all.

Doors weren’t even open when we arrived. So we did what any rational person would do:
👉 left, got food, came back, and hoped for the best.

The Venue & Atmosphere

A Runway in the Wild

Once things actually got started, I walked in and—

Oh.

There was a full runway setup.

• Lights ✔️

• Judges ✔️

• Performers ✔️

• Loud, chaotic energy ✔️

You could feel that everyone there cared. Whether they were seasoned performers or total beginners, people showed up ready to express themselves.

And that’s kind of the magic of gay ballroom culture.

The Performances: Passion Over Perfection

The Good

Let’s start with what I loved:

• People were fearless

• The energy was genuine

• You could tell performers put in real effort

There’s something really special about watching a scene grow in real time. This wasn’t polished New York ballroom—this was gay Vietnam building its own version.

And that? Deserves respect.

The Not-So-Good (But Honest)

Now… let’s talk about it.

Some performances felt very beginner level.

And while that’s totally okay, the judging got a little… questionable.

Example:

• One contestant got called out for using too much arm movement

• Another did the same thing (arguably worse)… and won

I’m not saying I’m an expert—but even from a casual viewer perspective, it felt inconsistent.

The Judges: Tough Love or Just Tough?

A Bit of Realness

At one point, a judge openly commented that the level was “beginner.”

In the moment, it felt a little harsh—like… girl, we’re all just trying our best here.

But after thinking about it?

He wasn’t wrong.

There was a noticeable gap between:

• Experienced performers

• First-time walkers

Still, maybe that feedback could’ve been delivered… off the mic.

Time and place, you know?

My Overall Experience

Would I Go Again?

Honestly?

• Did I love it? → Not exactly

• Am I glad I went? → 100% yes

It’s not really my scene (also… the smoke in that venue was fighting for my life), but I genuinely appreciated:

• The creativity

• The courage

• The community

You’re witnessing something that’s still developing—and that’s rare.

The Future of Gay Ballroom Culture in Vietnam

Why You Should Check It Out

If you’re interested in:

• LGBTQ+ culture

• Underground events

• Emerging creative scenes

Then you should absolutely experience gay ballroom culture in Vietnam at least once.

Because right now?

It’s raw.
It’s imperfect.
It’s evolving.

And that’s exactly what makes it exciting.

Final Thoughts: A Scene in the Making

Saigon’s LGBTQ+ scene is growing fast—and ballroom culture is quietly becoming part of that story.

Is it polished? No.
Is it consistent? Also no.
Is it worth seeing? Definitely.

And who knows—give it a few years, and we might be looking at something incredible.

If you’re exploring more of gay Vietnam nightlife and experiences, check these out:

• Best Gay Spas & Saunas in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Best Gay Bars in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Quan VY Da A Unique Gay Restaurant in Saigon

Find a place to stay in Vietnam!

Find things to do in Vietnam!