Gay Pride parade
(DPA) 2 April 2006
PHNOM PENH - Cambodia's gay and lesbian community celebrated their sexuality
and increasing acceptance by society by holding the nation's third annual
Gay Pride Parade over the weekend.
The flamboyant parade was held on Friday night, but celebrations of the
community's sexuality - once a taboo subject in Cambodia - continued
throughout the weekend.
"This time more people joined the party because Cambodia is opening up and
with it our culture," Cambodian-Canadian organizer David Marshall said.
"Cambodia needs something like this because it celebrates the diversity of
Cambodia."
Around 400 people attended the parade and party hosted by Marshall's Salt
Lounge bar and sponsored by Population Services International, Family Health
International and the Women's Network for Unity.
Organizers said attendance was up 25 per cent on last year and credited the
increase on a newfound willingness for lesbians and gays to be open about
their sexuality and to campaign for their rights.
"We do this for Cambodians. We help Cambodians get together and get
information on health issues," co-organizer and journalist Robert Turnbull
said.
Sou Thavy, 67, a transexual and former sex worker now working with the Womyn's
Network for Unity, recalled when homosexuality made people outcasts and gays
and lesbians were treated with fear and suspicion.
"People looked down on gays before. Nowadays, many non-government
organizations support us and give us information to help prevent us from
contracting HIV and Aids," she said.
Cambodia has one of the highest infection rates of HIV/Aids in the region.
Organizers of the parade said they hoped to create a strong and visible gay
community that could inspire increased acceptance within Cambodian society.
posted by Jinja @ 9:27 AM
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