Growing Up, He Felt Like an Outsider—Now He’s Inspiring a Vietnamese Renaissance
Lam Truong tried to fit in by blending out—until a single word in a book pulled him back to everything he thought he’d left behind
The content creator rewriting his Vietnamese heritage
Growing up in America, Lam Truong often found himself caught between worlds.
Within the Asian-American community, he frequently felt like an outsider, as many of his peers were of Chinese or Korean descent.
This sense of being different led him to temporarily distance himself from his Vietnamese heritage, adopting a broader “Asian” identity in an effort to fit in.
Like many in the diaspora, he grappled with the complexities of being neither fully American nor traditionally Vietnamese.
One book changed everything
A pivotal moment in Truong’s journey came in 2019, when he encountered On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong.
The book resonated deeply with him, especially when he read about Vuong’s mother using the term “little dog”—a Vietnamese term of endearment his own mother had used.
“In Vietnamese culture, to love something deeply, you often name it after something seemingly insignificant or undesirable, like ‘little dog’ or ‘little devil,’ as a way to protect and cherish it.”
This simple reference unlocked a flood of memories and emotions, allowing him to reconnect with the profound beauty of Vietnamese cultural nuances.
It was a turning point in his understanding of his identity and ignited a renewed pride in his heritage.
Using content to make a difference
Rather than hiding his cultural background, Truong began celebrating it through his content, creating a unique space where Vietnamese culture intersects with contemporary lifestyle and fashion.
“I seamlessly blend [fashion and travel] by incorporating Vietnamese traditional outfits, like the ao dai, into my visuals and storytelling,” he notes.
What sets Truong’s content apart is his authentic approach to representing Vietnamese culture. Rather than presenting a tourist’s perspective, he offers intimate glimpses into his personal life—sharing everything from home-cooked family meals to visits to Vietnamese communities around the world.
His content acts as a bridge, helping others in the Vietnamese diaspora reconnect with their roots, while also introducing the richness of Vietnamese culture to a broader audience.
“These moments offer an authentic perspective, showing viewers not just the surface of Vietnam but the soul of daily life here. This isn’t just a destination for me—it’s home.”
Through his platform, Truong advocates for individuality and self-expression, encouraging his followers to embrace their unique identities.
His work demonstrates that cultural heritage isn’t a limitation, but rather a source of creativity and strength.
By sharing his journey from cultural uncertainty to proud self-acceptance, Truong has built a community where cultural authenticity and modern lifestyle coexist harmoniously.
Read the story in the pages of VMAN SEA 02: now available for purchase!
Photography Nguyen Khac Duy
