Cambodia & Society : Siem Reap's First Pride Walk: One Community, One Heart

Twenty years ago, no one would have imagined a rainbow procession crossing the streets of Siem Reap. On Friday, May 15, members of Cambodia's LGBTIQ+ community and their supporters will march side by side through the city under the theme "One Community, One Heart."

© Chanpor Koy, OHCHR Cambodia

This is a peaceful, community-rooted event grounded in the core values of respect, visibility, and social harmony.

A movement growing since 2003

Cambodia has held Pride celebrations since 2003, starting as one-day events in Phnom Penh, then gradually expanding to other provinces like Battambang and Siem Reap from 2009 onward, driven by Rainbow Community Kampuchea (RoCK). Today, Siem Reap takes a new step with its first public march in urban spaces.

"What began as a festive tuk-tuk race has become something much bigger — an expression of pride, unity, and generosity." — Pride Siem Reap 2026 organizers

A weekend of festivities

The Pride Walk is just one highlight of a varied program designed to engage the entire community. Cambodian artist Sinora Roath will perform in concert, while a roundtable discussion and screening of Poppy Goes to Hollywood — one of Cambodia's first LGBTIQ+ films — will be offered to the public.

The weekend will also feature the Amazingly Fabulous Pride Race, a Pride Run, a Pride Ride, drag performances, social events, and creative workshops — festive moments to celebrate the diversity of Cambodian LGBTIQ+ identities.

Come as you are — or express yourself

No dress code imposed: everyone is invited to show up as they are, or to seize the opportunity to express themselves. Organizers encourage participants to wear colorful outfits in Pride colors, or simply what makes them feel comfortable and confident.

A few ideas for inspiration

Rainbow outfits mixed with identities, accessories, or Khmer fabricsRepresentations of LGBTIQ+ people in different sectors: athletes, artists, farmers, textile workers, entrepreneurs…Banners or signs with equality messagesRainbow flags or identity flagsStage makeup and face painting

Beautiful Life Organisation, a community pillar

The event is organized by Beautiful Life Organisation (BLO), a locally registered NGO in Siem Reap since 2017. BLO runs A Place To Be Yourself (APTBY), a free drop-in center offering psychological support, sexual health services, and educational workshops — welcoming an average of over 300 local visitors per month. Funds raised during Pride activities help keep these services accessible year-round.

An incomplete legal context

Same-sex relations are not criminalized in Cambodia — and historically never have been, neither under French protectorate nor since independence in 1953. Yet, Cambodian law provides no explicit protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) notes that LGBTIQ+ people face "a high level of stigmatization, discrimination, and exclusion" in family, educational, and professional spheres. In January 2023, UN Independent Expert Victor Madrigal-Borloz praised the absence of legislation criminalizing sexual orientation as "an encouraging starting point."

For Pisey Ly, coordinator of Rainbow Community Kampuchea (RoCK), progress is real:

"Pride events like this are important moments to come together, celebrate achievements, and move forward together toward equality."

Siem Reap's Pride Walk is open to all. Bring your friends, your energy, and your pride — see you on May 15 in the streets of Siem Reap.

Practical info — Friday, May 15, 2026

• Gathering at 5:00 PM · Departure at 5:30

• PMStart: Weekly Market (Street 18 & Preah Sihanouk Avenue)

• Finish: Heritage Walk · Duration: ~20 minutes

• The march ends at Heritage Walk, where the Pride Opening Night launch party will take place