A bold project to tell the story of the forgotten
On November 22, RoCK Senior Members were presented in Phnom Penh in an atmosphere full of emotion. This book, bilingual in Khmer and English, gives voice to 12 LGBT+ witnesses of yesterday whose lives, marked by trials and love, cover several decades of Cambodian history.
Led by the NGO Rainbow Community Kampuchea (RoCK), this ambitious project aims to preserve the memory of an often ignored generation.
“It was crucial for us to capture these stories before they were lost », explains Ly Pisey, co-founder of RoCK.
“These testimonies are not only personal, they also reflect the struggles and resilience of a community. »
Stories rooted in Cambodian history
Among the moving stories, that of Sot Yuna transgender man born in 1955 in Takeo province, illustrates how living one's truth could be an act of resistance. Under the Khmer Rouge regime, he refused to wear women's clothing or marry a man, despite pressure.
“They saw me as a fraud “, he recalls. Now almost 70 years old, he campaigns for younger generations to benefit from the rights he never had.
Horn Chhoeuna lesbian from Kampong Thom province, talks about how she defied her family's expectations by building a life with her partner, whom she has loved for almost 40 years. Their relationship proves that love, even when it defies norms, can be an enduring force.
The creative process: a human and activist adventure
The creation of this book took several years of work. RoCK teams traveled the Cambodian provinces, looking for voices willing to share their experiences. These stories, some from times as far back as the 1950s, are living archives of Cambodia's cultural diversity and tolerance.
“It wasn’t easy », confides Ly Pisey. “ Many hesitated to speak out, fearing judgment or reviving painful memories. But their courage shows how important it is to tell these stories. »
A tool to educate and inspire
Beyond individual stories, RoCK Senior Members aims to be an awareness tool. The NGO hopes it will help break down stereotypes and encourage greater tolerance in a society where LGBT+ rights remain limited.
While same-sex relationships are legal in Cambodia, the lack of specific legal protections against discrimination and the inability to marry remain major obstacles. However, as Ly Pisey points out,
This book shows that love has no boundaries, neither age nor gender.
A work hailed by leaders and activists
During the launch, Khieu Kanharith, former Minister of Information, recalled the importance of protecting the rights of all.
“No individual should be punished or discriminated against for who they are. This book is a valuable contribution to our common future”he said.
British Ambassador Dominic Williams, also present, praised the effort, comparing the situation in Cambodia with that in the United Kingdom, where equal marriage took decades to become a reality.
“This book is a crucial step in changing mentalities and promoting equality”he added.
Hope for future generations
By highlighting these unique stories, RoCK Senior Members provide inspiration for younger generations and a call to action for decision-makers. The book is available from RoCK and partner bookstores, a purchase that directly supports the LGBT+ community in Cambodia.
“What we want is for these stories to show everyone that being yourself is an act of courage and that love is always worth celebrating.”concludes Ly Pisey.
To read, to share, to defend: the future of equality also requires memory.
Source : Cambodianess
