Love Memory of Palm Juice Harvester

Sot Yun and Sem Eang (Takeo)

Photos by: Prum Ero

Story by: Chey Sokdom

Edit by: Ly Pisey

“Happy family comes from contributions of the family members. It’s about love, understanding, responsibility, caring, education and building a decent livelihood.”

Yun: My wife and I live in Sdok Prei, Trapeang Sab, Bati District, Takeo Province. We’ve been here for more than 40 years, since 1979. When we started our lives as a couple, we couldn’t get married. We only had a small offering ceremony during our housewarming, to let our elder relatives know that we decided with confidence to spend our lives together. My job was climbing up palm trees and harvesting the juice to make palm sugar. We both saved money to build a decent house like other couples. I’m getting older and weaker now, so I cannot climb palm trees anymore. We now sell groceries and raise ducks at home.

Eang: We have five members in our family. I took in and look after our children and grandchildren. We raise them and give them education so they have knowledge and good jobs to earn their livings. We don’t only take care of our family but we also look after our neighbors when they are in need.

Yun: Before, we didn’t dare to come out; we hid. We were afraid that people would mock us because they didn’t like seeing a woman loving another woman. Now, there are still some people who don’t like us, but not as many as before. I’m very happy when I see ministries and other organisations support us. What I’m not satisfied and worried about is that our relationship is only recognised as sisters not spouses in our family book. We raised our children until they are adult and have families of their own, but the family book didn’t state our true relationship. Can the love, caring, warmth and everything that we do for our children and grandchildren as parents not be acknowledged on the legal papers?

Eang: I want my family to be protected by law like other families, regardless whether there is an issue happening or not. When we’re protected by law, it’s easier to resolve if we have any conflict.