Cambodia’s third annual Gay Pride Party and Parade was celebrated with record numbers of revellers in the capital Phnom Penh last weekend. Traumatised by historic repression and genocide, Cambodians are now more comfortable with their diversity, prompting more people to be open about their sexuality, organisers say.
“This time more people joined the party because Cambodia is opening up and with it our culture,” said Cambodian-Canadian organiser, David Marshall. Numbers were up 25 per cent on last year.
Around 400 people turned up to the event, hosted at Marshall’s Salt Lounge and Bar. The sponsors were Population Services International, Family Health International and the Women’s Network for Unity. The event is a primary vehicle for promoting the safe-sex message.
Sou Thavy, 67, a transgender former sex worker said homosexuals were once treated as outcasts. “People looked down on gays before. Nowadays, many non-government organisations support us and give us information to help prevent us from contracting HIV and AIDS.”
Cambodia has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the region. Organisers hope that by raising the prominence of the LGBT community, they could also encourage acceptance of diversity and spread the safe-sex message to all Cambodians.
Ref: khaleejtimes.com (d)
“This time more people joined the party because Cambodia is opening up and with it our culture,” said Cambodian-Canadian organiser, David Marshall. Numbers were up 25 per cent on last year.
Around 400 people turned up to the event, hosted at Marshall’s Salt Lounge and Bar. The sponsors were Population Services International, Family Health International and the Women’s Network for Unity. The event is a primary vehicle for promoting the safe-sex message.
Sou Thavy, 67, a transgender former sex worker said homosexuals were once treated as outcasts. “People looked down on gays before. Nowadays, many non-government organisations support us and give us information to help prevent us from contracting HIV and AIDS.”
Cambodia has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the region. Organisers hope that by raising the prominence of the LGBT community, they could also encourage acceptance of diversity and spread the safe-sex message to all Cambodians.
Ref: khaleejtimes.com (d)
1 comment:
Always something new in the Cambodia Gay Scene. Now the first "100%" gay hotel is open in Siem Reap :
MEN's Resort & Spa
Check the website : www.mens-resort.com
Post a Comment