By Soy Sophea
27-year-old Chok Sophoan, a lesbian and steely opponent of all who look down on her kind was subdued when discussing her life. She was of the opinion that the world often either misrepresents or reacts with outright hostility to the orientation.
Sophoan said she wants everyone to call her “Mr.” as she believes she is in possession of a male mind, trapped however within a distinctly female biological vehicle. Since the age of six, her behavior has been that of the Tomboy, despite her parents’ pleas to change. Naturally, she appreciates the quality of femininity in other women, but on a personal level, she thinks, eats, sleeps, loves and persists in the form of a man; a gentleman at that-one who professes to enjoy all the public and private delights of a healthy, monogamous marriage.
She said that her marriage had received neither traditional, nor official sanction, and this is a matter of some concern for her. “I want everyone, not only my family, to recognize our right to a traditional marriage and a legally binding married relationship thereafter. These are rights enjoyed by the whole of humanity, but apparently our sexuality makes us somewhat less than human in the eyes of the world, for these rights are denied us.”
Su Sotheavy, Director of the Women’s Network for Unity, a local Cambodian non-governmental organization, said that her organization sought to promote a clearer, kinder and legally balanced response to the existence of people with alternative sexual identities.
Sotheavy’s organization currently has 5,000 members. “We believe that the network will go nationwide in the near future, but for now we are going to learn to walk before we can run and we will limit our operations to educating the populace. We hope this will result in the reduction of discrimination.”
Pich Sochea, 42, a transvestite and member of the network, also called for an end to discrimination. As is the case in other countries, he asked legislative and executive officials to allow them to have the right to a legally binding same-sex marriage.
Moreover, he wanted authorities to record his gender as female, even though he is a biological male. “I’m Everywoman and I want society to recognize that fact, not turn away, wishing I was something else. Our existence as a persecuted minority is an indication of separation within Cambodian society, a separation that must be healed, if there is to be national unity.”
Thun Saray, President of ADHOC (Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association), said that the requests of same-sex lovers ran parallel to laws that uphold the United Nations. Although international law allows anyone to get married with whom they like, the concept was considered to be novel and somewhat outlandish when placed in the context of Cambodian society.
He continued, “I think it would be an excellent idea to allow same sex marriages. It seems a little odd now, but after a proper period of debate, these ideas will find acceptance. At the moment, though, I simply cannot understand humanity’s fear of difference or change. Without these qualities, life would never get beyond the single cell stage. It seems clear to me at least, that the recognition of these minorities can only bring an additional vibrant and colorful dimension to Cambodian society. They did not ask to be born this way, but they are proud of who they are and they have rights just like every other Cambodian.”
Cheam Yeap, Permanent Commission Member of the National Assembly, said, “Personally, I want them to have the same rights to marriage as anybody else, but in a Nation still very much governed by tradition, this will be a huge step. It will require a period of very earnest and clear sighted debate before it can be accepted. However, the relatively small numbers involved should result in laws produced in a reasonable time. Beyond this, I can be no more specific as to a timeline.”
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