Pride Fest Returns to Phnom Penh with a Message of Unity

[geovalin]

Australian Embassy

 

Cambodia’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration, Pride Fest, returns to Phnom Penh this Saturday with a vibrant day of events aimed at promoting inclusion, challenging discrimination, and celebrating diversity.

 

Organised by Pride Cambodia in collaboration with United Nations agencies, the Australian Embassy, and local NGOs, the festival will take place at Koh Norea Park under the unifying theme “Building Bridges”.

 

Now in its fourth year, Pride Fest has grown into a major event, drawing an increasingly diverse audience of LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, families, and local residents. The goal, says Pride Cambodia president Ath Rattanack, is to “foster a sense of belonging and solidarity, while showcasing the contributions of LGBTQ+ people to society.”

 

This year’s programme features a colourful mix of cultural and community activities. Highlights include the 5km Rainbow Run, the joyful Remork Pride Race—which transforms Cambodia’s iconic tuk-tuks into moving art pieces—and Reajiny Pride, the country’s first Khmer drag queen competition. A fashion show by leading Khmer designers will also celebrate queer identity and expression on the catwalk.

 

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore stalls hosted by NGOs and UN agencies, enjoy local food, and engage with organisations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

 

Sandra Bernklau, UNFPA’s Cambodia representative, said the festival embodies the values of respect and dignity: “We all have a right to be who we are and to feel safe in our homes, work, and communities. Equality benefits everyone.”

 

Since launching in 2022, Pride Fest has become a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ visibility in Cambodia. This year’s “Building Bridges” theme reflects a commitment to connecting generations, cultures, and communities in a shared vision of social change and empowerment.

 

With support from global and local partners, Pride Fest is more than a celebration—it’s a statement of resilience, love, and the right to be seen.

 

-2025-05-23