Pride Walk Debuts in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is preparing for a landmark moment as the city hosts its first-ever Pride Walk, part of a four-day celebration running from 15 May under the theme “One Community, One Heart.”

Organised by Beautiful Life Organisation (BLO), Pride Siem Reap is now in its third year but this edition marks a significant step forward. The walk will see members of the LGBTIQ+ community joined by allies in a peaceful show of visibility and belonging. Starting at the Weekly Market on Street 18, the 20‑minute procession will wind its way to Heritage Walk, where festivities continue with live music, drag performances and a fashion show.

Programme Manager Ham Seangheng said the aim is to foster inclusivity and raise awareness in a city where many still have little understanding of Pride. “We want to bring the Siem Reap community together, raise awareness and also have fun at the same time,” she explained.

Beyond the walk, the programme is packed with creative and colourful events: the Amazingly Fabulous Pride Race, a Pride Ride, themed workshops, and performances including Cambodian artist Sinora Roath. Organisers hope attendance will surpass previous years, though they acknowledge challenges in engaging older generations.

BLO has supported Cambodia’s LGBTIQ+ community since 2017, offering mental health services, sexual health support and a safe space through its drop‑in centre A Place To Be Yourself. Pride, they say, has grown from a playful tuk‑tuk race into a powerful expression of unity and generosity, raising thousands of dollars for community causes.

As Siem Reap embraces its first Pride Walk, organisers believe the event signals a broader shift: Pride in Cambodia is becoming stronger, more visible and more inclusive each year.

-2026-05-15