This June, the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services – Phase 2 (ACCESS 2) proudly celebrated Pride Month 2025 under the global GLAAD theme: “One Story. One Future.” This message of shared stories and aspirations reinforces our mission to build inclusive, equitable communities, where every Cambodian, including LGBTQI+ persons with disabilities and survivors of gender-based violence, can thrive with dignity, safety and opportunity.
GLAAD (formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) is a global non-profit organisation that promotes accurate, inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ people in media and public discourse. Its 2025 Pride theme has been adopted worldwide as a call to unity and visibility across communities.
To mark the occasion, ACCESS 2 hosted a workplace celebration that:
- Screened a short film from the Australian Embassy highlighting Australia’s longstanding support for LGBTQI+ rights.
- Shared the history and evolution of Pride, with reflections from ACCESS 2 Team Leader Sophia Cason on how inclusion strengthens development outcomes.
- Heard insights from guest speaker Mr Tol Chhourlimheng of Love is Diversity, who shared his personal journey and called for greater legal protection and societal recognition for LGBTQI+ people in Cambodia.
“I only came out to my family four years ago, once I was financially secure. My hope now is for Cambodia to grant us full and equal rights – from marriage to everyday participation,” Mr Chhourlimheng told colleagues, urging policymakers to embed equality in law and practice.
ACCESS 2’s celebration aligned with Cambodia’s Pride Fest 2025, held from 9–25 May across Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which brought together civil society, development partners and the private sector. It also echoed recent calls by UN Women to keep “Pride alive in Cambodia” through collective action and cross-sectoral solidarity.
Why it matters
ACCESS 2—funded by the Australian Government—works to ensure no one is left behind. Celebrating Pride Month shines a light on the intersecting barriers faced by LGBTQI+ persons with disabilities and survivors of violence, and strengthens our commitment to:
- Inclusive service delivery: ensuring diversity and accessibility in rehabilitation, GBV and social protection services;
- Policy advocacy: amplifying community recommendations for legal recognition and anti-discrimination frameworks;
- Workplace equality: promoting safe, respectful spaces for staff, partners and the communities we serve.
As Pride Month comes to a close, ACCESS 2 invites all partners to carry forward the spirit of One Story. One Future. Together, we can build a Cambodia where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or background, can live, love and belong.
