Turning silence into stories: Cambodian activist amplifies LGBTQI+ youth voices

Rising up in Cambodia, Panha not often noticed LGBTQI+ individuals mirrored on this planet round her — not in tv, not in public conversations, and never in ways in which felt trustworthy.

“When LGBTQI+ individuals have been represented, it usually didn’t really feel truthful to who we’re,” she mentioned.

That silence stayed together with her.

At this time, Panha helps create the type of visibility she as soon as looked for. As co-founder of Sampi TV, a digital platform devoted to LGBTQI+ storytelling and advocacy, she is utilizing podcasts, documentaries and on-line instruments to open conversations many younger Cambodians nonetheless really feel afraid to have.

“I needed to be a part of the change,” she mentioned.

For Panha, storytelling is greater than content material creation. It’s about dignity, belonging and letting younger individuals know they aren’t alone.

“Storytelling is a really highly effective software,” she mentioned. “Social media shapes how individuals perceive the world. I consider we are able to use storytelling to advocate for what is correct and help younger individuals whose voices should not heard.”

A few of Sampi TV’s strongest tales are additionally its quietest. In a single documentary undertaking, LGBTQI+ younger individuals sat down with their mother and father — many for the primary time — to talk overtly about id, concern and acceptance. The response on-line was overwhelming.

“Folks mentioned they felt aid,” Panha recalled. “They felt hopeful that possibly at some point their very own mother and father might perceive them too.”

The platform additionally created an nameless Khmer-language chatbot the place younger individuals can safely ask questions on relationships, HIV prevention and sexual well being — topics that stay deeply stigmatized in lots of communities.

“Some younger persons are too afraid to ask these questions publicly,” she mentioned. “They fear about judgement. They fear about being outed.”

What started as a small grassroots initiative shortly grew into one thing a lot larger. Their early episodes unfold quickly on-line, sparking debate, curiosity and dialog throughout social media.

Folks lastly speaking

“Some individuals favored it. Some individuals didn’t,” Panha mentioned. “However individuals have been lastly speaking.”

At this time, Sampi TV works with youth teams, volunteers and civil society organizations throughout Southeast Asia, together with Laos and Myanmar, constructing areas the place LGBTQI+ younger individuals can really feel seen, heard and supported.

In 2025, Panha was chosen as one of many Younger Leaders for the SDGs, a United Nations initiative recognizing younger changemakers advancing the Sustainable Improvement Objectives. However for her, the popularity is just not private.

“It’s in regards to the group,” she mentioned. “The younger individuals who have massive desires, however whose voices are sometimes unheard. I hope I could be a messenger for them.”

Over the subsequent two years, Panha hopes to develop Sampi TV’s attain throughout the area whereas persevering with to advocate for inclusion, dignity and visibility.

“My objective,” she mentioned, “is to verify storytelling and inclusion should not simply phrases in speeches, however a part of on a regular basis life.”