To live in a world free from discrimination.
To create safe spaces for people with diverse SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sexual characteristics; commonly known as LGBTIQ+ people) where they feel included, comfortable, accepted and celebrated.
Inclusion to us means that there is a seat at the table for everyone. It is about representation and valuing everyone’s unique contributions equally. To fully understand the diversity of our beautiful world, we must see it and hear about it from as many different people as possible. Inclusion to us is about welcoming all, regardless of their labels. It is about making room for people who perhaps did not previously have a space. We show our commitment to inclusion in the language we use, the regular and varied community events we run and the way we welcome our visitors into our space, our lives and our hearts.
Recognizing and respecting individual diversity (as well as diversity within groups). Part of what makes our world so beautiful is the diversity in it. Without diversity, life would be monotonous, monochrome, stale. Diversity is exciting; however, it is often viewed as a threat to the current order; to current ways of life and ways of being. Actually, simply recognizing and respecting the natural diversity of people would not detract from anyone or anything – only add to and complement the beauty of our already diverse world. BLO does its best to acknowledge and pay homage to who people are and how they identify at any given time. This means actively asking about pronouns, using the names we are asked to use, avoiding offensive words and nicknames (often used as a way to quash diversity), educating ourselves and others, and creating spaces where people can be themselves and explore their identity and expression.
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by others on one’s way of life or behavior. Though Cambodia’s laws are not as restrictive in comparison to other Asian countries, there is a lack of protection and recognition of people with diverse genders, gender expression and sexualities. This has led to discrimination, stigma and exclusion of LGBTIQ+ people in Cambodian society where people do not always feel safe or comfortable expressing themselves in a genuine way. We will continue to educate and create spaces where LGBTIQ+ people feel not only accepted, but also celebrated; where they are treated equally and given respect and value. We dream of and work toward the day when safe spaces such as ours are no longer necessary; when society itself will be safe and LGBTIQ+ people will be free to be themselves without fear of judgment or persecution.
BLO believes that education is essential for helping to show the diversity that exists in our world and to break stigma attached to people with diverse genders, gender expression and sexualities. We know that a lot of the stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination that the LGBTIQ+ community face stems from a lack of understanding. Education can help to correct misinformation and contradict negative attitudes and beliefs. We help to educate the community by creating culturally-specific resources in the local language (which are available for free download on our website), teaching workshops on gender and sexuality, and consulting with others as much as possible in order to learn from one another and help make their spaces safe and informed as well. We believe that with education comes understanding and with understanding comes empathy, inclusion and acceptance – things that our LGBTIQ+ community sorely need.
