GADC on Pride & IDAHOTB 2021
From NGO/CSO, we had a representative participation from Gender and Development for Cambodia (GADC) through their Deputy Director, Eng Chandy on their supports toward LGBT+ community to achieve gender equality. In addition to the answering RoCK’s questions, GADC colleagues had shared further supports through their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/genderissue
1. what did you do to support LGBT rights?
We have our internal policy of supporting LGBT rights, and we always respect to the principle of human rights meaning LGBT rights is an equal human rights. Moreover, we include and would love to be included in the LGBT communities.
2. How are LGBT Cambodians’ situations in the last 1-2 years?
It is getting better in some aspect, such as recognizing the communities and more awareness of LGBT communities. We also have campaigned and stated definition of LGBT in our policies. But, something new are also happening to the communities, the discrimination, harassment by social media and hate crime to those who dare to speak up for their rights are rising.
3. Why is it important for you to support LGBT rights?
Because I believe in the humanity and I believe that as long as we have LGBT rights and movement, we have equality.
4. How do you plan to further progress LGBT rights?
First of all is building more awareness raising on LGBT rights to the communities that I am working with, and then continue learning and building knowledge of how to do campaign and policies that is LGBT friendly and inclusive.
“Who are you to judge or to say that LGBT is not as equal as human to you? There is wrong with you, you know? because we are all human, and LGBT can be our friends, our families, and our leaders.
They are perfect as they are and they don’t need to change for anyone.
To my LGBT friends, give people the space and the time to process who they thought you would be. They have expectations of you and who you will be in the future. You’ve had time to process who you are. Now, give those you have come out to the space and time to process too. In the meantime stay strong.
Remember, you are not alone, You are so much more than you even know.”
