This research note addresses the need for more studies on residents’ attitudes towards LGBTIQ + tourism amid the growing attention towards recognizing LGBTIQ + rights in Southeast Asia. The findings provide novel and emerging empirical evidence on the impact of host-tourist interactions and place image on residents’ attitudes and support for LGBTIQ + tourism in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The findings provide important insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to advance LGBTIQ + tourism development and LGBTIQ + rights.