Before falling in love with Trung Kiet (36), deputy director of a dental center in Ho Chi Minh City, Cong Lap (26), a professional makeup artist, had dated a few women but never found happiness. Over time, he came to understand his true feelings and resolved to live as his authentic self.

But for Lap’s parents - Tran Huu Phuoc and Huynh Thu Trang (both 50, from Hoa Khanh Commune, Tay Ninh Province) - this revelation was a painful shock. They had raised their son with care and were happy when he had girlfriends. Learning he was dating a man left them stunned and heartbroken.

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Cong Lap, Trung Kiet, and Lap’s parents (from left). Photo: Screenshot from the show

At the time, Lap’s younger brother had broken his arm and was in the hospital. Their mother, Mrs. Trang, was looking after him when Lap brought Kiet along to visit.

"That day, Lap said, ‘Mom, I’m seeing someone. We share the same background,’” she recalled. “I didn’t think much until he told me the truth. I froze.”

Later, Kiet bought lunch for Mrs. Trang. “Lap told him, ‘Get lunch for my mom too.’ That moment stuck with me,” she said.

After Lap’s brother was discharged, he officially brought Kiet home to meet the family. Mr. Phuoc still thought they were just friends - until Lap came clean. The father was deeply saddened.

"It was painful to hear, but I love my son. I can't force him to change," Mr. Phuoc said.

That afternoon, he took Lap out for coffee and spoke to him as an equal.

"I gave my son the freedom to choose," he said. "I told him, ‘If you’re happy, then I’m happy for you both.’"

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Lap’s parents stand by their son’s decision to live honestly. Photo: Screenshot from the show

Mr. Phuoc has three children. In his heart, he believes that when a child is happy, the parents are too. Knowing Lap was determined to live truthfully, he chose to open his heart. Any attempt to deny his son’s identity would only bring more pain.

Still, he worried that Kiet’s family might not accept the relationship. That fear disappeared when Kiet’s parents visited the Phuoc household to formally express their support.

"I felt so relieved," he said. "With both families on board, I wasn’t afraid anymore. Let them live freely as who they are."

He added, "Honestly, when I heard Kiet’s parents were coming, I panicked. I told Kiet’s father, ‘Where I’m from, word spreads fast. But I love my son, and I accept him.’"

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Mrs. Trang stands firm against public criticism to protect her son. Photo: Screenshot from the show

After the relationship became public, Mr. and Mrs. Phuoc faced gossip. Neighbors taunted Mrs. Trang, calling her son "gay" or "effeminate." But she didn’t flinch.

"At first, I was scared and embarrassed," she admitted. “One of Lap’s aunts rejected the idea outright. I told her, ‘You don’t have to accept it. I do. My son lives with me, not you.’ Over time, she came around.”

She reflected: "Parents give birth, but heaven gives temperament. What if he had married a woman, had kids, and was miserable? That would make us suffer too. Now that he and Kiet are happy, I feel peace."

Her unconditional support brought Lap and Kiet to tears. Lap had once told Kiet, “Even if they don’t accept us now, they will one day. If they love me, they’ll love the person beside me too.”

And just as Lap had hoped, their families did embrace them.

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Kiet is grateful for the wholehearted support from both families. Photo: Screenshot from the show

Today, Kiet has a strong bond with Lap’s parents. He regularly checks in with them. If Lap forgets, Kiet gently reminds him to stay connected with his family.

Mr. and Mrs. Phuoc have no demands for grandchildren or repayment. All they hope for is a proper wedding ceremony, where both sides can come together and celebrate the couple’s love.

Kiet dreams of that too, though he wants everything to be planned and paid for by the couple themselves, not their parents.

“We’ve already received the greatest gift - our parents’ love and support,” he said.

Thanh Minh