Lesbians struggle to change perceptions
Filed Under Cambodia, Lifestyle | 4261 Comments
Pon Samnang has close-cropped hair and a face devoid of make up. Oversized men’s clothes hang loosely from her slight frame, but her lips are full and her cheek bones high. Her androgynous beauty demands attention.
Samnang, 25, was just four years old when she realized she was a lesbian. She has been grappling with the social implications of her sexual orientation ever since.
Her parents, who are farmers, were devastated when she first came out. Blaming her for bringing them bad luck, they pleaded with her to change her behavior. But as the years passed they have gradually grown to accept her as she is.
For Keo Samet, 26, parents have never been a problem - hers always knew she was a lesbian and have loved and supported her all her life. But her siblings were initially opposed to her sexuality.
“At first my brother and sister didn’t like me being a lesbian,” she explained. “But we have talked about it a great deal and they now understand and love me.” Read more