Reflection Piece by
Samnang “Lucky”
Volunteer
The Micro Rainbow International, Cambodia
First of all, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Samnang but everyone can call me
“Lucky”. I identify as non-binary person, a volunteer at the Micro Rainbow International-Cambodia. I have been working in raising awareness about LGBTIQ+ Rights since 2016 when I came out publicly as a gay person. Currently, I am a young key population representative in Cambodia as well.
On the 21st to 23rd October, 2024 in Manila, I had a privilege to attend a great learning opportunity with ADB and APCOM on Inclusive Development for Sexual and Gender Minorities in ADB Operations which allows me to get involved in discussing about the SOGIESC inclusion as well as build the network among the SOGIESC right network and Organization in the region.
During the event, I represented MRI-Cambodia as the facilitator for a small group discussion and had a chance to report the result of the group discussion on the stage with other group representatives as well. Moreover, during the small group discussion (World Cafe session), I have learn a lot from the other participants in the region sharing about their challenges in promoting about SOGIESC rights in the development project as well as how to advocate within the government and private sector to include people with diverse SOGIESC in their projects.
Overall, I found that it is a very great chance for me to attend this meeting because I have learned a lot regarding the SOGIESC rights and inclusion in the economic ecosystem and how we can integrate the SOGIESC inclusion perspective in the development projects. Furthermore, the session that I am really interested in the most is the “World Cafe” session. Because, it allows us to understand the diverse situation in the region regarding the SOGIESC inclusion. Another important session that I would like to highlight is the 3rd day meeting among the CSOs and youth led-groups in discussing the ADB SOGIESC inclusion roadmap 2025-2030 that they will start to roll out in 2025. It is such a very good document that we as activists can use to raise our voice with the governments and private sector on SOGIESC inclusion in all their development projects.
Last but not least, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the organizers and to my Cambodian colleague in allowing me to attend this such important advocacy event in the region. In the future, I will keep an eye on engaging with the ADB country office to raise more awareness on SOGIESC inclusion. Currently, I am advocating with the private sectors to sensitize the SOGIESC and HIV knowledge, so that they can be more aware and make sure the recruitment process is inclusive and based
