Research Report on
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior
toward the LGBT Population in
Cambodia
Comissioned by Rainbow Community Kampuchea
Carried out by TNS Cambodia team:
Dany Vinh
Vuthisokunna Menh
Rebecca Norris
Table of Contents
List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... 4
List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... 6
List of Abbreviations ............................................................................................................ 7
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .......................................................................................................... 8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................... 9
Chapter 1: Background and Objectives ................................................................................ 11
1.
Study Background .................................................................................................. 11
2.
Research Objectives ................................................................................................ 11
Chapter 2: Research Methodology ....................................................................................... 12
1.
FGD Methodology and Sample Design ....................................................................... 13
2.
Survey Methodology and Sample Design.................................................................... 13
3.
Sample Selection Process among Straight Community ................................................. 16
i.
Stage 1: Selection of District/Commune/Sangkat/Villages/Wards .............................. 16
ii.
Stage 2: Starting Points and Right Hand Rule ......................................................... 17
iii.
Stage 3: Selection of Respondents within the Household .......................................... 17
Chapter 3: Study Limitations and Challenges ........................................................................ 18
1.
Limitations ............................................................................................................. 18
2.
Challenges ............................................................................................................. 18
RESEARCH FINDINGS ........................................................................................................ 19
Chapter 4: Demographics .................................................................................................. 20
Chapter 5: Defining LGBT in Khmer Language ...................................................................... 33
Chapter 6: Perceptions and Attitudes................................................................................... 39
Chapter 7: Same-sex Marriage ........................................................................................... 70
Chapter 8: Religion ........................................................................................................... 73
Chapter 9: Priorities for Supporting the Needs of LGBT Community ......................................... 77
CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................. 81
RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................................... 85
1.
Legislative and Policy Changes ................................................................................. 85
2.
Direct Services Needed ............................................................................................ 86
APPENDIX ........................................................................................................................ 88
I.
Appendix 1: Defining Straight and LGBT in English ...................................................... 89
II.
Appendix 2: Defining LGBT in Khmer ......................................................................... 90
III.
Appendix 3: Full Description of Priority Needs for LGBT Community ..........................106
IV.
Appendix 4: Questionnaires .................................................................................108
LGBT Community Questionnaire ...................................................................................108
Straight Community Questionnaire ...............................................................................123
V. Appendix 5: TNS Cambodia Profile and Contacts ...........................................................138
Behavior Change ........................................................................................................139
Complex, Large, Social Surveys ...................................................................................139
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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Program Evaluation ....................................................................................................139
Qualitative Research ...................................................................................................139
Political and Social Polling ............................................................................................140
For more information, please contact: ...........................................................................140
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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List of Figures
Figure 1: Current Residents of Respondents (%) ................................................................... 20
Figure 2: Location of Respondents (%) ................................................................................ 21
Figure 3: Age Profile (%) ................................................................................................... 21
Figure 4: Marital Status (%) ............................................................................................... 22
Figure 5: Married/cohabitating LGBT people who have tried to procure a family book (%) .......... 23
Figure 6: Married/cohabitating LGBT people who successfully got a family book (%) ................. 23
Figure 7: % of LGBT people who have ever tried to change an ID ........................................... 24
Figure 8: Educational background (%) ................................................................................. 24
Figure 9: Top 6 occupation (%) .......................................................................................... 26
Figure 10: Monthly household income (%) ........................................................................... 27
Figure 11: Monthly household income (%) ........................................................................... 27
Figure 12: Age when LGBT People knew they were LGBT (Average) ........................................ 28
Figure 13: % of LGBT people who have ever come out to somebody ....................................... 28
Figure 14: Top 6 first people whom LGBT people came out to (%) .......................................... 29
Figure 15: Top 6 next persons whom LGBT people came out to (%) ........................................ 29
Figure 16: Average years that LGBT people have been out ..................................................... 30
Figure 17: Years of LGBT people who are in the closet (average) ............................................ 31
Figure 18: Top 7 reasons why LGBT people have come out to certain people only (%)............... 32
Figure 19: Top 7 terms used for people in a same-sex relationship - Spontaneous (%) .............. 34
Figure 20: Top 7 terms used for people in a same-sex relationship – Non-spontaneous (%) ....... 35
Figure 21: Top 7 terms that straight people call LGBT people according to LGBT people –
Spontaneous (%) .............................................................................................................. 36
Figure 22: Top 7 terms that straight people call LGBT people according to LGBT people – Nonspontaneous (%) .............................................................................................................. 37
Figure 23: Top 3 preferred terms to be called (%) ................................................................ 37
Figure 24:
Among Straight People: Top 7 things that come to mind when they hear “LGBT
People” – Spontaneous (%)................................................................................................ 39
Figure 25:
Among Straight People: Top 7 things that come to mind when they hear “LGBT
People” – Non-spontaneous (%) ......................................................................................... 40
Figure 26: Top 7 ways that LGBT people see themselves (%) ................................................. 42
Figure 27:
Straight people: (%) who ever sought to understand why LGBT people are attracted
to the same-sex................................................................................................................ 43
Figure 28: Top 5 ways that straight people seek to understand why LGBT people are attracted to
the same-sex (%) ............................................................................................................. 43
Figure 29: Perception of straight people on the romantic/sexual relationship of LGBT people – top
& bottom 2 boxes and neutral (%) ...................................................................................... 44
Figure 30: 15 types of LGBT gender expression and sexual practice – by Straight people (%) .... 45
Figure 31: Straight people who know someone who identifies as a LGBT person (%) ................. 46
Figure 32: Top 7 types of relationship of straight people to LGBT people whom they know (%) .. 46
Figure 33: Top 5 reactions of straight people to LGBT people (%) ........................................... 47
Figure 34: Top 7 reasons that people are LGBT (%) .............................................................. 49
Figure 35: Top 7 types of feeling of being LGBT people – Spontaneous (%) ............................. 51
Figure 36: Top 7 types of feeling of being LGBT people – Non-spontaneous (%) ....................... 52
Figure 37: Top 8 types of straight people’s feeling if they had LGBT children (%) ...................... 52
Figure 38: Top 8 feelings of straight people if they had LGBT children in-law (%) ..................... 53
Figure 39: Top 8 feelings of straight people if they had a LGBT spouse (%) .............................. 53
Figure 40: Top 10 actions if my child was LGBT (%) .............................................................. 54
Figure 41: Top 10 actions if my children in-law was LGBT (%) ................................................ 55
Figure 42: Top 10 actions if my spouse was LGBT (%) .......................................................... 56
Figure 43: Experiences LGBT people face due to their sexuality (%) ........................................ 57
Figure 44: Rating on the extent to which Khmer culture and tradition support or reject LGBT
People – top & bottom 2 boxes and neutral (%) .................................................................... 58
Figure 45: Perceived reaction of rural and urban people to the LGBT community ....................... 58
Figure 46: Perceived openness of rural people and urban people toward LGBT community (%) ... 59
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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Figure 47: Lives of Khmer LGBT compared to straight people in Cambodia - Top & Bottom 2 boxes
and neutral (%) ................................................................................................................ 60
Figure 48: LGBT respondents’ views on their own lives as a Khmer LGBT person in Cambodia
compared to if they were straight- Top & Bottom 2 boxes and neutral (%)............................... 61
Figure 49: Top 10 problems faced by LGBT people in Cambodia (%) ....................................... 63
Figure 50: Situation of LGBT now compared to 3-5 years ago – Top & Bottom 2 boxes and neutral
(%) ................................................................................................................................. 65
Figure 51: Situations faced by LGBT in next 3-5 years compared now – Top & Bottom 2 boxes and
neutral (%) ...................................................................................................................... 66
Figure 52: Top 9 reasons making the LGBT situation now better than 3-5 years ago (%) ........... 67
Figure 53: Top 9 reasons making LGBT situation improve in the next 3-5 years (%) ................. 69
Figure 54: Level of support/oppose to same-sex marriage – Top & Bottom 2 boxes, and neutral
(%) ................................................................................................................................. 70
Figure 55: Top 5 reasons for supporting/opposing same-sex marriage (%) .............................. 71
Figure 56: Legal recognitions being supported if not same-sex marriage (%) ........................... 72
Figure 57: Distribution of people who practice Buddhism (%) ................................................. 73
Figure 58: If Buddha has mentioned anything about homosexuality (%) .................................. 74
Figure 59: Perceived Buddha’s opinion on homosexuality (%) ................................................ 75
Figure 60: Top 5 opinions that Buddha would mention about homosexuality if he were alive (%) 75
Figure 61: Top 15 supporting services and top 5 most supporting services - Of Straight People (%)
...................................................................................................................................... 78
Figure 62: Top 15 supporting services and top 5 most supporting services - Of LGBT People (%) 79
Figure 63: Top 15 supporting services and top 5 most supporting services - Of Type of LGBT
People (%) ....................................................................................................................... 80
Figure 64: Top 7 terms used for two women in a same-sex relationship – Spontaneous (%) ...... 91
Figure 65: Top 7 terms used for two women in a same-sex relationship – Non-spontaneous (%) 92
Figure 66: Top 7 terms used for two men in a same-sex relationship - Spontaneous (%) ........... 93
Figure 67: Top 7 terms used for two men in a same-sex relationship – Non-spontaneous (%) .... 94
Figure 68: Top 7 terms used for women attracted to both sexes - Spontaneous (%) ................. 95
Figure 69: Top 7 terms used for women attracted to both sexes – Non-spontaneous (%) .......... 96
Figure 70: Top 7 terms used for men attracted to both sexes – Spontaneous (%) ..................... 97
Figure 71: Top 7 terms used for men attracted to both sexes – Non-spontaneous (%) .............. 98
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List of Tables
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
Table
1: Quotes from Straight Community: Top of Mind Attitudes toward LGBT People .............. 41
2: Findings of terms and definitions from FGDs ............................................................ 90
3: Feeling of supporters toward certain definitions of LGBT (%) ..................................... 99
4: Feeling of opponents toward certain terms of LGBT (%) ...........................................100
5: Feeling of neutral groups toward certain terms of LGBT (%) .....................................100
6: Feeling of biologically female LGBT toward certain terms of LGBT (%)........................101
7: Feeling of biologically male LGBT toward certain terms of LGBT (%) ..........................102
8: Feeling of lesbians toward certain terms of LGBT (%) ..............................................103
9: Feeling of gay men toward certain terms of LGBT (%) .............................................103
10: Feeling of bisexual people toward certain terms of LGBT (%) ..................................104
11: Feeling of transgender women toward certain terms of LGBT (%) ............................104
12: Feeling of transgender men toward certain terms of LGBT (%) ................................105
13: Full and shorten description of priority needs ........................................................106
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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List of Abbreviations
AJWS: American Jewish World Service
BfdW: Bread for the World
FGDs: Focus Group Discussions
LGBT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender
MoEYS: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport
RFSU: The Swedish Association for Sexuality Education
RoCK: Rainbow Community Kampuchea
SOGI: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This study was undertaken by an independent team from Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) Cambodia.
The team was led by Dany Vinh and consisted of Vuthisokunna Menh, Rebecca Norris, Sothea Phan
and Layhour Sao. The research would not have been possible without the assistance of the many
individuals and organizations as follows.
We wish to thank Rainbow Community Kampuchea (RoCK) for supporting the gathering of LGBT
respondents in the provinces. We would also like to thank all the respondents for giving their
willingness to share their experiences and opinions openly. Special thanks to Collette O'Regan,
Jessica Reidies, Pisey Ly, and Toni Meredew from RoCK, who provided excellent support and advice
throughout the research.
We would also like to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the entire fieldwork data collection
team, data processing team, and client service team from TNS Cambodia. Tremendous thanks to
Layhour Sao and Sothea Phan for their charting and quality control efforts on the report.
This report is made possible by the support of the German people, the American people, and the
Swedish people through the Bread for the World (BfdW), American Jewish World Service (AJWS),
and The Swedish Association for Sexuality Education (RFSU), respectively. The contents are the
sole responsibility of TNS Cambodia and RoCK and do not necessarily reflect the views of BfdW,
AJWS or RFSU.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report explains the findings based on research conducted into the Opinions, Attitudes and
Behavior towards the LGBT population in Cambodia. The research was commissioned by Rainbow
Community Kampuchea (RoCK) and was carried out by TNS Cambodia. The objectives of the
research are to understand the current situation within Cambodia for members of the LGBT
community and to clarify the priorities for supporting needs going forward. It is envisaged that the
report will act as an important tool to guide the development of future strategies in order to
improve the quality of life for this minority community.
The research used both a qualitative approach (eight focus group discussions) and a quantitative
survey with 1,563 Cambodians (1,085 straight people across 7 provinces and 478 LGBT people
across 11 provinces). Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among straight and LGBT
people before the quantitative survey in order to help inform the areas for further investigation in
the individual survey.
The research findings provide various insights into the current situation and experiences of the
LGBT community and illustrate the, often contradictory, responses of the straight community. The
significant levels of contradiction within straight respondents make it reasonable to conclude that
they are not used to mentally processing topics related to their LGBT compatriots whose suffering
and problems remain largely invisible.
This report sets out the participant’s responses to between 55-60 questions (55 questions for
straight respondents; 60 questions for LGBT respondents) and culminates in a set of
recommendations for actions to improve the situations for LGBT people and their families.
The random sample among straight people reveals that 45% of them are LGBT supporters, 43%
are opponents, and 12% are neutral. Among a non-random sample of LGBT people, 22% are
lesbians, 14% are gay men, 13% are bisexuals, 26% are transgender men and 26% are
transgender women.
The key finding that ‘things are improving for the LGBT communities’ and that ‘improvements will
continue in the coming 3-5 years’ should not be allowed to overshadow the concerning findings
that:
Over 80% of straight (86%) and LGBT respondents (82%) put discrimination related to
sexual orientation and gender identity as the top problem that LGBT people face;
LGBT people limit their coming out to close friends (77%) and immediate family members
(54%) for fear of being discriminated, judged, bullied, and harassed in their daily lives;
Almost one third of LGBT people never come out of the closet (29%);
More than one-fifth of LGBT respondents (21%) wish they were straight;
Almost half of LGBT opponents (43%) would reject their child if they found out their child
was LGBT and they were not successful in changing their child;
Less than one-fifth of straight parents (17%) would force their children to date the
opposite sex and ultimately may force them into a marriage, ignoring the fact that forced
marriage is in breach of the Cambodian Constitution (Article 45).
While the survey considered a wide range of services to be useful in improving life for the LGBT
community, improving support for young people was high on almost everyone’s agendas. For
example, even LGBT opponents also support LGBT people to adopt children as straight people
recognize the level of child poverty in their country. Both straight and LGBT people also support
anti-hate crime law, education for parents, eliminating classroom discrimination, and anti-bullying
campaigns in schools. In the view of the LGBT respondents, the other most important changes
which would improve their lives is legislative change (being able to marry, introducing anti-hate
crime law, enabling same-sex couples to be recognized as a couple in family books, being able to
change the ID to reflect their appropriate gender identity; being able to marry); being able to
adopt children; and being employed without fear of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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In this research, LGBT Cambodians are calling on all duty bearers, as well as their sister and
brother compatriots to recognize them as free and equal citizens with rights and protections that
are the same as or equivalent to straight citizens of Cambodia. It beholds all readers of this report
to contribute to this change in whatever ways are possible. With the range of issues discussed
within and the level of difficulties being faced, there is no lack of entry points.
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Chapter 1: Background and Objectives
1.
Study Background1
There is little research on the behaviors, thoughts and identities of LGBT populations in Cambodia.
Of the research that exists, the majority is related to MSM and transgender women for the
purposes of curtailing the spread of HIV, with little or no emphasis on LGBT identities, service
needs and experiences with discrimination. In addition, existing research usually relies on smallsample qualitative surveys and focus groups in predominantly urban areas with questionable
generalizability to the general population. RoCK is aware of no research conducted in Cambodia
that employs objective, quantitative measures of research questions and no research that includes
non-LGBT populations in the sample.
2.
Research Objectives2
The study contains the following specific objectives:
1
Extracted from ToR
Extracted from ToR
2
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Chapter 2: Research Methodology
To answer the research objectives TNS Cambodia used qualitative and quantitative research,
informed by a literature review. Survey questions utilized both spontaneous (unprompted) and
non-spontaneous (prompted) questions. The latter involved presenting respondents with a list
from which to choose their responses. The lists of potential responses were developed by TNS
Cambodia working in conjunction with the RoCK team, using the literature review and FGD
findings.
Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) are an effective means of eliciting insights into the beliefs,
attitudes and behaviors of a group or individual, offering a number of specific advantages:
It allows participants to range freely over a topic, sharing and building on each other’s
thoughts. In so doing, the range of opinions, attitudes and behaviors that exist on a
particular topic quickly become apparent.
It can gauge the intensity of feelings on specific issues.
It provides a relaxed, convivial environment, which can encourage involvement.
Questions are open-ended opposed to survey research (predominantly close-ended).
Ability to probe on more complex topics that surveys cannot address.
The survey allows us to:
Quantify responses and test hypotheses gathered from phases 1 (FGDs).
Project results to the larger population, which is advised against in qualitative.
Glean insights from various segments of the population.
Apply percentages/statistics to the data.
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1.
FGD Methodology and Sample Design
2.
Survey Methodology and Sample Design
The objective of the research design was to select a representative probability sample of straight
people between 18 and 60 years and then to select one of them randomly from the selected
household. The selected sample was representative of the Cambodian target population with
respect to gender, and urban/rural populations. However, the sample of LGBT people was a nonprobability sample due to the invisibility of the LGBT community. TNS Cambodia used contact lists
of LGBT respondents provided by RoCK as well as snowball sampling to identify the interviewees.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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Sample Size (numbers)
Total Sample Size (number)
Total Straight People
478
Total LGBT People
1085
Of Straight People (number)
Of Type of LGBT People (number)
Lesbians
103
Gay men
64
Bisexuals
61
Supporter*
Transgender women
121
Transgender men
124
Queers
488
Opponent*
Neutral Group*
5
467
130
*Note: Supporters, Opponents and Neutral Group are defined based on answers to the question:
To what degree do you support or reject LGBT people? Please rate in a 5 point scale, where 1 is
completely reject and 5 is completely support.
Completely reject
Somewhat reject
Not sure
Somewhat support
Completely support
1
2
3
4
5
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Opponents
Neutral group
Supporters
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
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The Social Economic Class (SEC) legend was used to ensure that respondents were from various
income statuses.
Total sample
The total size of the sample was 1,563 respondents from 10 provinces and Phnom Penh.
Approximately a quarter of all respondents were from urban areas and more than 60% from rural
areas, and almost 16% from semi-urban Phnom Penh.
LGBT sample
The LGBT sample was first allocated to provinces in proportion with the total number of LGBT
people organized by RoCK in each province. Difficulty with respondent recruitment led to some
adjustments being made to the sample size in certain provinces. Though RoCK and TNS knew that
identifying rural LGBT respondents would be more challenging than identifying urban ones, and
that no known data exists on the actual urban/rural population demographics of the LGBT
population, the researchers and RoCK wanted the final sample to be weighted towards rural
respondents in order to reflect the demographic reality of Cambodia. In the end approximately
56% of LGBT respondents were recruited from rural areas, 23% from semi-urban Phnom Penh and
21% from urban areas.
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3. Sample Selection Process among Straight Community
Multi-stage probability sampling was adopted to select straight respondents.
i.
Stage 1: Selection of District/Commune/Sangkat/Villages/Wards
At least two districts were selected per province: one provincial town/city to represent urban and
1-2 other random districts to represent the rural population in the province. The municipality
wards in urban areas and villages in rural areas were used as the Primary Sampling Unit (PSU),
and 2-3 communes were randomly selected from the list of commune/sangkat in each district.
After commune/sangkat selection, 3-4 villages/wards were randomly selected from each commune
selected as state above.
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ii.
Stage 2: Starting Points and Right Hand Rule
At the selected block/village, the fieldwork supervisor chose a starting point. From this point
onwards, interviewers followed the Right Hand Rule and used a fixed interval to choose the
households for interviewing.
The starting point was selected based on some fixed positions such as the
commune/Sangkat’s building; health center’s building; house of head of village; the
central point in village; the starting point of the main road; village gate, etc.
There were no more than 10-12 interviews per starting/sampling point.
Skipping 5 households after every successful interview (Interval = 5) was used in urban
areas. In rural areas, the skipping interval of 2 or 3 was used.
iii.
Stage 3: Selection of Respondents within the Household
Only one eligible straight respondent was interviewed from each household. In the case of more
than one eligible respondent present in the sampled household, the person interviewed was
selected using the KISH Grid method. If the selected respondent was not available to do the
interview, an appointment was made to revisit the household. In the case that the respondent was
still not available at the time of the revisit, the next household was chosen to conduct interview. If
a respondent of the same criteria could not be interviewed in the next household, the same profile
of the respondent was selected within the same interval (5 or 3 interval). This process continued
until the required numbers of respondents were interviewed in the PSUs.
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Chapter 3: Study Limitations and Challenges
1.
Limitations
All surveys have limitations. There are several limitations to consider when interpreting the survey
results. These include:
The survey captures perceptions rather than facts, and records what people say rather
than what people do. Respondents may not have always answered truthfully. In surveys
there are always some biases, including the tendency to select central answers, rather
than outlying ones, though this can be, and was, controlled by randomizing responses
from participant to participant.
The survey findings are based on self-reported affirmative responses to survey questions
and may or may not have led to under-reporting of negative aspects, and over reporting of
positive aspects. Adult respondents (especially straight people) may have answered what
is generally considered as a socially acceptable behavior, practice or attitude, which may
not necessarily reflect their actual beliefs/behavior and this maybe the reason for some
apparently strong contradictions, at times, in the findings.
Since LGBT people were not randomly recruited, we cannot be sure whether the
geographic representation, biological male/female makeup or LGBT subgroup
representation of our sample reflects actual population distribution. The sample
distribution was driven by the snowball sampling and/or RoCK representatives. The sample
could also be influenced by increased urbanization, internet access and social networks in
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which are considered safer socializing spaces by gay men and
transgender women, according to RoCK members.
2.
Challenges
Challenges encountered during the study included:
Difficulty in encouraging LGBT respondents, especially gay men to join the research
despite the guarantee that the interview would be kept confidential and their name would
not be revealed in the report. This reluctance may be due to the level of fear, which still
exists about revealing one’s identity as a gay man in Cambodia no matter how things
‘appear’ to be getting better.
High incentive demanded by transgender women, which led to a high dropout rate of these
participants.
Due to the high invisibility of LGBT people, less than half of the LGBT sample was achieved
by the end of fieldwork interviews. To overcome this barrier, several reviews of strategy
were necessary in order to meet the planned LGBT sample size, and sampling from a few
extra provinces was required. In the end, 96% of the LGBT total planned sample was
successfully completed.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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RESEARCH FINDINGS
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Chapter 4: Demographics
Residence
The survey sample reflects the rural skew of Cambodia’s population in comparison to urban areas.
Among straight people, there were more respondents from Kampong Cham (Figure 1), which is
also the most populous Cambodian province after Phnom Penh. In Phnom Penh, Siem Reap,
Battambang, and Kampong Cham, there were more biological male LGBT respondents than
biological females in the sample. Since LGBT people were not randomly recruited, we cannot be
sure whether it was because there actually are more biological male LGBT people than biological
females in these four places. The imbalance may also have been driven by:
The snowball sampling and/or RoCK representatives.
The increased urbanization, Internet access and widening social networks in Phnom Penh
and in Siem Reap3, which are considered safer spaces for people to socialize, according to
an overwhelmingly view of gay man and transgender women4.
Figure 1: Current Residents of Respondents (%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
28
Kampong
Cham
Phnom Penh
Siem Reap
Kampot
Kandal
Battambang
Ratanak Kiri
27
33
Phnom Penh
31
24
25
12
Siem Reap
15
13
16
19
13
12
15
11
13
13
14
10
12
12
11
12
17
Pursat
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral group
19
2
10
Kampong Cham
3
19
10
Prey Veng
17
1
8
Svay Reang
13
3
8
Battambang
4
11
Kompong
Chhnang
Kandal
Kampot
Ratanak Kiri
Total
7
11
10
10
10
12
9
7
10
10
23
6
8
5
4
5
3
2
1
4
2
1
4
Total
Biologically male
Biologically female
SOURCE: S1. Where are you currently living?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130); Biologically female (n=255), Biologically male
(n=218)
Lindstrom, N. “Drag Queen Divas” AsiaLife Phnom Penh, Issue 29, May 2009 pp. 25-26; Gharbi, S., “Gay Scene and Grindr
on KohPich” 7 Days, Phnom Penh Post, 14-20 Dec. 2012. Issue 173, p. 8
4
Lindstrom, N. “M Style” AsiaLife Phnom Penh, Issue 29, May 2009, p. 27; several NGOs and CBOs such as MHC, MHSS,
CSSD, KDFO, and KHEMARA are part of the M-style program. RHAC and MEC have special clinics for MSM and
Transgender for HIV Prevention. The Cambodian National Network of People living with HIV, (CPN Plus) has a Positive
MSM and Transgender project.
3
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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Despite the common assumption that urban dwellers are more progressive than rural, the chart
below (Figure 2) illustrates that there are slightly more LGBT supporters than opponents in rural
areas. Among LGBT people, there are less biologically male LGBT in rural areas, especially gay
men.
Figure 2: Location of Respondents (%)
Of LGBT
67 People (%)
Of Straight People
(%)
63
Of Type of LGBT Person (%)
70
62
60
58
52
50
43
38 36
33
30 28
28
27
20
10
15
14
Supporters Opponents
30
27
14
13
31
25
19
17
15
8
Neutral
Group
Lesbians
BiologicallyBiologically
Female
Male
Rural
Urban
Gay men*
Bisexuals* TransgenderTransgender
women
men
Semi Urban
SOURCE: S2. Location
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130); Biologically
Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64),
Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
*Gay Men – Low base size
*Bisexuals – Low base size
Age
In the sample, LGBT supporters and the neutral group are younger than opponents (Figure 3).
Although a proportional sample across different age groups was intended, the LGBT sample
method resulted in a disproportionate number of younger (18-34 year olds) respondents. In
comparison to other LGBT people, gay men and transgender women are much younger.
Figure 3: Age Profile (%)
18-24y.o
25-34y.o 35-44 y.o 45-54 y.o 55+ y.o
18
34
21
16
11
15
25
24
20
16
17
42
16
17
8
30
25
18
17
10
6
5
2
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral group
Of Straight
People (%)
Lesbians
Gay men*
53
34
26
23
20
20
11
53
42
4
1
0
31
27
17
16
9
Bisexuals*
Transgender women
Of Type of
LGBT Person
(%)
Transgender men
SOURCE: S3_1.How old are you? Age Group
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130); Biologically
Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64),
Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
*Gay Men – Low base size
*Bisexuals – Low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
21
Marriage and Cohabitation
Demographic data revealed a strong contrast in the proportion of people in a marriage between
the straight and LGBT groups. Namely, while the majority of straight people are married (Figure
4), the majority of LGBT people are not. Biological male LGBT who are single almost double the
number of single biological women. A little under half of biologically female LGBT are cohabitating.
Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Cambodia yet. However, based on findings of RoCK
community interviews (October–November 2014) regarding marriage and family recognition for
LGBT couples, local authorities are not prevented by law from taking steps to recognize
relationships between same-sex couples. According to Figure 4, about half of the lesbians and
transgender men are cohabitating. Only 4% of lesbians and transgender men, and 1% of
transgender women, are married.
Figure 4: Marital Status (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
Of Straight People (%)
80
76
71
68
46
16
4
1
4
2
Supporters
8
4
43
20
14
6
Opponents
2
14
5
5
1
1
1
Biologically female
Neutral Group
83
7
4
Biologically male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
76
74
54
20
11
4
4
0
0
Lesbians
Married
44
43
38
5
2
Gay men*
Cohabitating
16
7
0
0
Bisexuals*
Divorced/Separated
Widowed
6
1
4
2
Transgender women
8
2
Transgender men
Single/Never Married/Never Cohabitated
SOURCE: Q43.What is your current marital status?
Base: Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay
Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men
(n=124)
*Gay Men, Bisexuals – Low
base size
Family Book
One culturally and legally important document recognizing family in Cambodia is the “Family
Book”. A number of local authorities have approved applications from same-sex couples to be
registered in the “Family Record Book” though designation of “husband and wife” is less common
than “brother and sister” or “sister and sister”. These approvals have most often occurred where
there is local community support for the couple. In these cases, they typically have also been
couples who are accepted by their families and who have lived together for some years, possibly
also raising children. Other same-sex couples have taken other informal steps to have their
relationships recognized such as hosting a private party or traditional Buddhist/spiritual ceremony.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
22
According to Figure 5, a third of LGBT biological females – lesbians/transgender men – reported
having tried to obtain a family book, which allows them to be legally recognized as spouses
with/without children. The sample size of biologically male LGBT and bisexuals are too small to be
accurately represented.
Figure 5: Married/cohabitating LGBT people who have tried to procure a family book
(%)
Of biologically
female (%)
Of lesbians (%)
32
Of transgender
men (%)
30
68
33
67
70
Never tried to get family book
SOURCE: Q43A. If married or cohabitating, have you ever tried
to get a family book?
Base: Biologically female (n=126), Lesbians (n=60),
Transgender men (n=58)
Ever tried to get family book
*Lesbians, transgender men – Low base size
Biologically male and bisexuals base size are
too small to chart.
Two-third or more have never tried to obtain a family book (Figure 6). However, it is encouraging
news that of the LGBT biological females that have tried to obtain a family book, 60% of them
reported being able to obtain it successfully.
Figure 6: Married/cohabitating LGBT people who successfully got a family book (%)
Of biologically female (%)
32
40
60
Successfully
get family book
Unsuccessful
get family book
SOURCE: Q43B. If yes, was it successful?
Base: Biologically female (n=40)
68
Never tried to get
family book
Ever tried to get
family book
* Biologically female – Low base size
(n=60)
Legal Recognition of Gender Identity
Less than 10% of LGBT people have ever tried to change an ID that reflects their gender identity
(Figure 7). As would be expected, the majority of those LGBT who sought to change their ID are
transgender men and women in almost equal numbers. Of those who sought to change their ID,
there is no data to show how many were successful. Anecdotally, some RoCK members who are
female-bodied transgender male have successfully obtained an ID that reflects their gender
identity. However, there is currently no law or process in Cambodia for legal recognition of a
change in gender identity.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
23
Figure 7: % of LGBT people who have ever tried to change an ID
Of LGBT People (%)
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
11
7
7
3
0
5
Biologically
female
Biologically
male
Lesbians
Gay men*
Bisexuals*
10
Transgender Transgender
women
men
SOURCE: Q43D. Have you ever tried to change an ID that reflects your gender identity?
Base: Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay
Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
*Gay Men, bisexuals – Low
base size
Education
In Cambodia, education is widely perceived to be the key to life achievement. The data reveals
nearly two thirds of straight people have completed primary school or lower secondary school
(Figure 8). Surprisingly, the survey revealed that LGBT people have reached higher levels of
education than their straight counterparts, which contradicts the commonly-held belief, found in
the FGDs among straight people, that LGBT people are less educated. This runs against the
commonly-held belief that LGBT are experiencing higher levels of educational disadvantage due to
their sexual orientation and gender identity. The finding may indicate that many LGBT going
through school hide who they are. Further analysis of the data on LGBT education levels reveals
less surprising trends with biological female LGBT being less well-educated than their biological
male LGBT counterparts, with 43% as compared to 84% finishing lower secondary school
education or higher. Specifically among biological male LGBT respondents, gay men have achieved
the highest education of all (67% have finished primary school). However, among biologically
female LGBT respondents, lesbians have achieved the lowest education levels (half have
completed primary school).
Figure 8: Educational background (%)
Of Straight People (%)
39
38
25
Of LGBT People (%)
41
38
38
35
29
27
25
22
13
18
17
15
15
12
7
7
13
12
18
12
15
17
15
14
10
7
1
Total
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral Group
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Biologically female
Biologically male
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
24
Of LGBT People (%)
50
42
35 36
34
28
27
25
22
14
13
9
16
17
13
14
12
No formal schooling
Upper Secondary (G10-G12)
2 2
0
Gay men*
16
16
18
12
8
5
0 2
Lesbians
23
21
9
0
Total
31
30
Bisexuals*
Primary school (K1-6)
University (Undergraduate)
SOURCE: Q44.What is the highest grade you completed in school?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130); Biologically
Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64),
Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
0
Transgender
women
0
Transgender men
Lower secondary (G7-G9)
Post graduate
*Gay Men, Bisexuals – Low
base size
Employment and Occupations
Many occupations in Cambodia, particularly unskilled positions, remain highly segregated by
gender. The noticeable differences in occupations between individuals in straight and LGBT
samples may be affecting occupational access. Some findings concur and some are more
surprising. Based on Figure 9, the main occupation among all respondents is farming with a
higher percentage of straight people engaged in this occupation, 29% compared to 18% of the
LGBT sample. When examined by type of LGBT, 40% of lesbians are farmers along with 30% of
bisexuals and 23% of transgender men.
Approximately one quarter of straight respondents are traders. Similarly all types of LGBT
respondents are engaged in trading though at lower frequencies ranging from 15% to 22%. Those
reporting employment as a garment worker are higher among LGBT respondents (9%) compared
to straight respondents (5%) with the highest percentage by type of LGBT being transgender men
(18%). Significantly, 25% of transgender women reported being employed as fruit cultivators
involved in orchard maintenance. Surprisingly, this is the biggest type of occupation reported by
transgender women interviewed and may be reflective of the rural/urban divide. Other occupations
also show differences. Among straight people, 19% are housewives, and 5% work in lower civil
management (e.g., teachers, lower level police officer, lower level military officer, mail delivery
person, and drivers). However, among the top 6 occupations, no LGBT respondents fall into those
two categories. More than a quarter of gay men are students. This figure is highest amongst gay
men, which is no surprise since earlier findings revealed that gay men achieved the highest
educational results.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
25
Figure 9: Top 6 occupation (%)
Of Straight People (%)
31
29
24
19
29
23
20
23
18
5 5 5
Total
5 5 5
Supporters
28
20
19
6
4 5 4
Opponents
17
40
3 2
4
2
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
30
20
16 18
13
9 9 8
25
22
19
11
10
1 1
Total
15 17
Biologically female
Biologically male
Farmer
Trade by themselves /seller
Student
Garment worker
Service industry
Orchard maintenance man /fruit cultivator
Neutral Group
27
16
18 19
13 14
4 5
Farmer
Trade by themselves /seller
Housewife
Garment worker
Lower civil management
Student
18 18
Of LGBT People (%)
33
Lesbians
Farmer
Student
Service industry
2
3
Gay men*
15 13
8
5
3 5
Bisexuals*
0
23
17 15 18
6
3
Transgender
women
2
Transgender men
Trade by themselves /seller
Garment worker
Orchard maintenance man /fruit cultivator
SOURCE: Q45.What is your current occupation(s)?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130); Biologically
Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64),
Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
*Gay Men, bisexuals – Low
base size
Household Income
Household Income is a standard identifier of poverty or wealth. While the survey found that
monthly household income of straight LGBT supporters and opponents is similar, both cohorts are
less wealthy than those identified as the neutral group, of which 53% earn more than $300 per
month (Figure 10). Comparing the income of straight and LGBT people (Figure 10 & Figure 11),
the study found that the LGBT community earns a higher monthly household income. According to
the data, only 23% of straight people earn more than $400 monthly compared to 35% of LGBT
people. This finding poses further questions. What is the make-up of LGBT household members?
How many people are contributing to monthly income compared to the traditional straight family
household?
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
26
Figure 10: Monthly household income (%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
29
25
22
20 19
18
16
18
2120
25
22
1818
19
18
16
13
25
20
18
20
19 18
15 14
13
8
5
4
Total
> $101
Opponents
$101-$200
18
13
9
3
Supporters
16
3
Neutral Group
$201-$300
Biologically female
$301-$400
Biologically male
$401-$800
> $801
SOURCE: Q46.Approximately what is your monthly household income from all sources on the following scale?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130); Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218)
Among LGBT people, biological men are better off financially than biological women. Almost half of
biologically male LGBT earn more than $400 per month, double the number of the biologically
female in that earning bracket (Figure 11). The result illustrates a significant gender gap, which is
likely due to education levels, aspirations and expectations associated with gender, culture and
issues of gender within the workplace. Among biologically female LGBT, transgender men are
better off financially than lesbians. However, among biologically male LGBT, gay men have a
higher household income than transgender women. Lesbians are the poorest of all groups with
only 39% earning more than $300 per month.
Figure 11: Monthly household income (%)
34
27
26
15
23
21
19
15 15
14
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
19 17
23
20
20
14 14
16
11
13
14
16
15
20
19
20
22
21
16
19 17
10
7
6
4
0
Total
> $101
Lesbian
Gay men*
Bisexuals*
$101-$200
$201-$300
$301-$400
SOURCE: Q46.Approximately what is your monthly household income from
all sources on the following scale?
Base: Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender
women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Transgender
women
$401-$800
Transgender men
> $801
*Gay men, bisexuals Low base size
Age of Awareness of Sexuality and Gender Identity
On average, biologically male LGBT state that they knew they were homosexual five years earlier
than biologically female LGBT (Figure 12). Lesbians knew they were attracted to women in their
early twenties on average, while gay men, bisexuals, transgender women, and transgender men
knew they were LGBT during their teenager years on average. Transgender women are the
youngest of all in recognizing that they were different from their heterosexual peers. Globally,
transgender people report being aware of their gender dysphoria earlier than others in the LGBT
community. For clinically referred children, onset of cross gender behaviors may be as early as 2-4
years.5 This age corresponds to the developmental period in which most children begin expressing
Miriam Rosenberg – M.D., PH.D, (2002), Children with Gender Identity Issues and Their Parents in Individual and Group
Treatment
5
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
27
gendered behaviors and interests. This global finding corroborates the early onset for Cambodia
too. Additionally, Figure 12 shows that transgender men, who are biologically female, report
awareness of who they are at a much earlier age than lesbians. The finding that men in Cambodia
know who they are at an earlier age than lesbians could be a result of the greater social freedom
enjoyed by boys and young men compared to girls and young women.
Figure 12: Age when LGBT People knew they were LGBT (Average)
Of LGBT People (average)
Of Type of LGBT People (average)
23
20
Biologically
female
19
16
15
Biologically
male
Lesbians
Gay men*
17
14
Bisexuals* Transgender Transgender
women
men
Of LGBT People (%)
2-10
67
11-20
54
21-30
23
11
23
9
10
3
Bilogically female
31-40
0
0
Above 40
Biologically male
SOURCE: Q2.At what age did you know that you were LGBT?
Base: Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay
Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
*Gay Men, bisexuals low
base size
Coming Out
“Coming out” means telling other people that you are or may be a LGBT person. Approximately
three-quarters of LGBT people have ever come out. Slightly more transgender people than
cisgender (lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals) have ever come out to other people, likely due to the
pressure of further explanation of their appearance needed in a social context (Figure 13).
In reading the findings on “coming out”, it is important to bear in mind the limitations of the
research. The LGBT respondents for this research tend to be younger (18-34 years old) and were
identified by RoCK’s network as well as snowballing technique. Therefore, the high percentage
(71%) of those who have come out may need to be read with cautious as it may not be
representative of the LGBT community as a whole. On the other hand, behind these figures lies a
concern that almost one-third (29%) of LGBT people do not come out and live hidden, and
probably isolated and frustrated lives.
Figure 13: % of LGBT people who have ever come out to somebody
Of Total, LGBT & Type of LGBT People (%)
71
Total
70
71
Biologically Biologically
female
male
63
Lesbians
69
Gay men*
77
76
76
64
62
Bisexuals* TransgenderTransgender Cisgender Transgender
women
men
SOURCE: Q3.Have you ever come out to anybody?
Base: Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay
Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124),
Cisgender(n=228), Transgender(n=245)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
*Gay Men, bisexuals low
base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
28
Coming out is very important across all LGBT people. The first people whom lesbians and
transgender men came out to were either their immediate family or close friends (Figure 14). Gay
men, bisexuals, and transgender women were much more likely to come out to their close friends
first. The difference in choice between lesbians and gay men as to whom they first came out may
be explained by the more constrained social network of girls and young women – mostly home and
family – compared to the greater social freedom enjoyed by boys and young men in Cambodian
culture.
Figure 14: Top 6 first people whom LGBT people came out to (%)
59
48
39
34
37
42
37
18
24
23
14
11
16
5
Close friends
4
Immediately
family
Other LGBT
people
Gay men
Bisexuals
Lesbians
7
3
8
4
8
5
Ex-partner/lover
2
0
Current
partner/lover
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q3A. Whom did you first come out to?
Base: Lesbians (n=65), Gay Men (n=44), Bisexuals (n=38);
Transgender Men (n=92), Transgender Women (n=95)
6
3
11
3
4
0
4
Extended family
Transgender men
*Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals low base
size
The next people that LGBT people came out to were still either their immediate family or close
friends (Figure 15). These findings reinforce the reality that LGBT people choose very carefully
and consistently to whom they should come out. The range is limited to very close friends and
family and this suggests a strong fear of coming out to a wider circle of people.
Figure 15: Top 6 next persons whom LGBT people came out to (%)
84
69
84
78
69
63
60
50 47
39
34
43 45
29 27
42 40 43
29
20
Close friends
Immediately
family
Lesbians
Gay men
Other LGBT
people
Bisexuals
20
Extended family
SOURCE: Q3B. Who else did you come out to?
Base: Lesbians (n=65), Gay Men (n=44), Bisexuals (n=38);
Transgender women (n=92), Transgender men (n=95)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
16 16
Current
partner/lover
Transgender women
37
35
34
18 20
32
20
Ex-partner/lover
Transgender men
*Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals low
base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
29
Of LGBT people who have come out, biological women on average have been out to immediate
family, other straight people, and extended family longer than biological men (Figure 16), despite
the former knowing that they were homosexual five years later than the latter. Among biologically
female LGBT, transgender men have come out to other people longer than lesbians, which makes
sense due to their transgender appearance.
Figure 16: Average years that LGBT people have been out
Of LGBT People (average)
10.3
11.5
8.2
8.1
9.5
9.1
6.7
Immediate family
Extended family
Total
7.2
6.6
8.0
7.7
6.2
LGBT people
Biologically female
Other straight
people
Biologically male*
Of Type of LGBT People (average)
11.8
10.7
10.3 9.9
8.4
8.1
6.0
6.7
10.2
8.0 7.8
7.3
6.1
7.6 7.5
7.2
4.2
Immediate family
Total
Lesbians*
Extended family
Gay men
Other straight people
Transgender women*
SOURCE: Q4. How long have you been out?
Base: Immediate family [Total (n=183), Biologically Female (n=115),
Biologically Male (n=66), Lesbians (n=39), Transgender women
(n=43), Transgender men (n=65)], Extended family [Total (n=123),
Biologically Female (n=68), Biologically Male (n=54), Transgender
women (n=37), Transgender men (n=41)], LGBT people [Total
(n=128), Biologically Female (n=65), Biologically Male (n=61),
Transgender women (n=40), Transgender men (n=42)], Other straight
people [Total (n=302), Biologically Female (n=159), Biologically Male
(n=139), Lesbians (n=58), Gay men (n=42), Transgender women
(n=83), Transgender men (n=85)]
LGBT people
Transgender men*
* Immediate family: Biologically male,
Lesbians, Transgender men; Extended
Family: Biologically Female, Biologically
Male, Transgender women, Transgender
men; LGBT people: Biologically Female,
Biologically Male, Transgender women,
Transgender men; Other straight people:
Lesbians, Gay men low base size.
* Gay men (Immediate family, Extended
family, LGBT people) and bisexuals base is
too small
to chart
Of the 30% of LGBT people who have never come out (Figure 13), biological women are in the
closet six years longer than biologically men on average (Figure 17). This would, once again, seem
to confirm the wider social networks and freedom available to men while women remain more
limited to people and networks closer to the home or near-home environment and may relate to
the later age of awareness of being LGBT (Figure 12).
Among the three-quarters of LGBT respondents who did come out (Figure 17), they did so to a
very narrow range of people. In Homosexuality and the Cultural Politics of Tongzhi in Chinese
Societies, Chou (2001) argues that the act of coming out is itself a Western behavior built on an
individualist premise. The author argues that a better term for the Chinese (perhaps pan-Asian)
context is coming home, whereby a gay person’s partner is accepted into the family like a legal
son or daughter-in-law. Unlike coming out, coming home may not involve direct confrontation or
assignment of labels, just a tacit and possible unspoken understanding that a person’s partner has
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
30
deep emotional significance to the family’s son or daughter. Such a concept might be more
appropriate to the Cambodian setting, but goes beyond the scope of this research.
Figure 17: Years of LGBT people who are in the closet (average)
Of LGBT People (average)
Of Type of LGBT People (average)
18.0
14.3
11.8
Biologically female
Biologically male
SOURCE: Q3.Have you ever come out to anybody? & S3. How old are you?
Base: Biologically Female (n=76), Biologically Male (n=63); Lesbians (n=38)
Lesbians
* Biologically male, lesbians low
base size
Other type of LGBT people base
size is too low to chart
Barriers to Coming Out
Fear of being discriminated against and being judged are the top two reasons that LGBT people
have come out to only certain people (Figure 18). Generally, the data shows that biological
females are most sensitive to all top 7 reasons apart from “feeling ashamed”. On closer
examination of responses between types of LGBT people, it shows that gay men are most
concerned with feeling ashamed (55%). Transgender women report the least concern about the 7
specified barriers except feeling ashamed and verbally harassed. Unlike gay men, transgender
men report the least concern about feeling ashamed.
Bisexuals stand out in comparison to other LGBT people, reporting greater concerns about
discrimination, judgment, bullying and harassment. Commonly, bisexuals do not find easy
acceptance and understanding within the LGBT community, who often see bisexuals as “sitting on
the fence”, meaning they cannot make up their mind so they continue to “pretend” that they have
an opposite sex attraction. Also, the heterosexual community often views bisexuals as “too
interested in sex”.
The same as other types of LGBT, gay men share the top reasons for coming out to certain people.
However, gay men are least concerned with being verbally harassed compared to other LGBT
people.
Lesbians’ top concern differs from other types as they fear being judged more than being
discriminated. Of all types of LGBT, lesbians are the most concerned about being separated from
their desired partner if they come out.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
31
Figure 18: Top 7 reasons why LGBT people have come out to certain people only (%)
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
63
Being
discriminated
against
65
70
82
Being discriminated
against
52
66
62
60
59
Being judged
68
66
82
Being judged
63
43
56
55
48
45
45
Being bullied
Being bullied
63
47
37
45
44
48
42
Being verbally
harassed
46
32
Being verbally harassed
61
38
41
39
48
41
Hurting my family
47
34
Hurting my family
47
30
47
34
48
55
45
40
41
Feeling ashamed
Feeling ashamed
36
46
28
48
34
Being separated
from my desired
partner
43
Being separated from my
desired partner
25
Total
Biologically female
34
39
18
39
Biologically male
Lesbians
Bisexuals
Transgender men
SOURCE: Q5. Why have you come out to certain people only (Q3B)?
Base: Total (n=338), Biologically Female (n=179), Biologically Male (n=155);
Lesbians (n=65), Gay Men (n=44), Bisexuals (n=38); Transgender Women
(n=95), Transgender Men (n=92),
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Gay men
Transgender women
*Lesbians, gay men, bisexuals Low
base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
32
Chapter 5: Defining LGBT in Khmer Language
In Cambodia, there are no official terminologies in the Khmer language to describe homosexual
people, be it lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBT). However, “Khteuy” is a
commonly used word for various types of homosexual people. The phrase is generally incorrectly
used to describe the LGBT community as the Buddhist dictionary describes “Khteuy” as people who
are born with female and male genitalia.6 “Khteuy” is also used to describe those who may be
(biologically) women or men, yet they display the behavior or personality of the opposite sex. 7
“Khteuy” is said to have its origins in ancient Khmer language, and the word is used widely in
Thailand as well.8
According to focus group discussions (FGDs) with the Cambodian straight and LGBT communities,
there is a broad and duplicative, though nuanced, vocabulary used for referring to homosexual
people. FGD findings reveal that approximately 30 terms are used by both straight and LGBT
respondents for homosexual people. However, during the survey phase, findings show that there
are more than 200 terms that are used by respondents.
When asked in an unprompted (spontaneous) fashion, the majority of both straight and LGBT
people said that they would use the person’s first name when referring to someone in a same-sex
relationship (Figure 19). It is interesting to note that the percentage of straight people who know
an LGBT person (Figure 31) is about the same as the percentage of straight people who prefer to
call LGBT people by their name. The second top term differs between the groups in that straight
people are more likely to use the term ‘khteuy’ while LGBT people use the normally accepted
terms of respect used among family and friends, such as ‘bong (brother/sister)’, ‘pu (uncle)’, ‘pa
(farther)’, ‘ta (grandfather)’. Within the LGBT community it is mostly gay men and transgender
women who use the term ‘khteuy’. They are also more likely to use the term ‘chae’ (sister). Less
than 20% of the straight community also uses ‘PD’, ‘Phed ti bey (third gender)’ and ‘Ah khteuy’.
However, these terms are not in the top seven most used terms among LGBT people who prefer to
use ‘khloun’, and ‘Sbian’ (less than 10%). [For more detail on terms in use see Appendix 2:
Defining LGBT in Khmer].
6
Ibid
Phong Tan. (Phnom Penh: UNESCO, 2008) “HIV/AIDS Prevention Program: Ethnography of Male to Male Sexuality in
Cambodia”.
8
Salas, Vicente. (2014) “Speaking Out – a toolkit for MSM and Transgender led Advocacy”. Global Forum on MSM and HIV
(MSMGF)
7
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
33
Figure 19: Top 7 terms used for people in a same-sex relationship - Spontaneous (%)
Of Straight People (%)
61
63
57
71
Call by name
PD
Phed ti bey
6
10
13
7
10
9
8
10
11
Chae
Ah khteuy
64
72
67
55
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
65
43
28
38
19
22
16
16
17
13
12
12
13
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
70
70
Call by name
46
44
49
42
Khteuy
18
Khteuy
10
28
11
Chae
4
18
8
Oun
11
4
8
Total
Sbian
7
Supporters
8
Opponents
6
Khluon
Neutral
Group
3
11
Total
Biologically
Female
Biologically
Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
78
77
Of LGBT People (%)
73
67
62
53
39
42
30
28
11
Call by name
21
19
16
10
5
7
18
4
5
8
5
0
Bong, Pu, Pa,
Khteuy
Chae
Oun
Ta
Lesbians
Gay men*
Bisexuals*
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q1a. What would you call people who are in a same-sex
relationship? (Q1 for straight people and Q1A for LGBT People)
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467),
Neutral Group (n=130); Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255),
Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals
(n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
9 6 8 8 7
12
11
5
5
Sbian
2
Khluon
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
34
When asked in a prompted fashion (non-spontaneous), the frequency of use for all terms
increased (Figure 20) among both straight and LGBT groups. This is to be expected because when
someone is presented with a list of terms to choose from they will often recall more terms and also
they may feel more comfortable interacting with terms which are presented to them. A key finding
to note is that even when both straight and LGBT people were prompted with a list of terms, LGBT
people still never report using ’Phed ti bey’ (third gender) and ’Ah khteuy’ to describe themselves.
This may suggest that these terms are considered derogatory and insulting by LGBT people.
Figure 20: Top 7 terms used for people in a same-sex relationship – Non-spontaneous
(%)
Of Straight People (%)
76
78
73
85
Call by name
87
Call by name
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Phed ti bey
Chae
Ah khteuy
Total
Supporters
Opponents
66
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Khteuy
42
51
35
38
Chae
37
27
49
33
26
41
38
38
39
35
Khluon
34
38
31
24
PD
32
30
36
25
Sbian
88 83 90 85 87 85
76
55
49
47
52
46
PD
88
85
70
69
72
65
Khteuy
26
22
32
23
18
31
23
21
26
Total
Biologically Female
Biologically Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
70
53
68
53
45
23
Call by name
Of LGBT People (%)
52
41
27 31
38 39
43
28
19
33 34
33 31 31
15
Bong, Pu, Pa,
Khteuy
Chae
Khluon
Ta
Lesbians
Gay men*
Bisexuals*
Transgender women
SOURCE: What other terms would you call people who are in a same-sex relationship?
(Q37 for straight people and Q37B for LGBT People)
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group
(n=130); Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218);
Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women (n=121),
Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
20 20
14
19 20
PD
25 26 23
Sbian
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low
base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
35
When asking LGBT respondents what straight people call them, about 70% said they are called by
their first name (Figure 21). Additionally, biologically female LGBT (lesbians, bisexuals and
transgender men) said straight people also call them “bong, pu, pa, ta”, whereas biologically male
(gay men and transgender women) said they are also called “Khteuy” and “bong, pu, pa, ta” to a
lesser extent. It is important to keep in mind that the given top 2nd term (“bong, pu, pa, ta”) by
LGBT that they think straight people call them (Figure 21), copies their own preference (Figure 23)
term rather than what straight people actually said, as shown in Figure 20.
Figure 21: Top 7 terms that straight people call LGBT people according to LGBT people –
Spontaneous (%)
Chae
PD
Call By Bong, Pu, Khteuy
Oun
Ah
Name
Pa, Ta
khteuy
69
21
9
8
7
5
13
6
4
5
5
11
14
9
6
2
4
1
3
9
6
6
3
8
3
8
5
12
21
10
7
10
3
10
6
42
Total
72
55
Biologically female
67
26
32
Biologically male
76
63
8
Lesbians
72
25
30
Gay men*
64
48
16
Bisexuals*
67
24
36
Transgender women
69
48
16
Transgender men
SOURCE: Q1. What do straight people call you knowing that you are LGBT?
Base: Total (n=478), Biologically Male (n=2255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103),
Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women (n=121), Transgender Men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
*Gay Men and
Bisexuals low
base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
36
When prompted, “called by name”, “bong, pu, pa, ta”, and “Khteuy” are the top three terms used
(Figure 22). “Chae”, “PD”, “Khluon”, and “sim pi (two sim cards)” are also terms that LGBT
people think straight people call biologically male LGBT (gay men and transgender women).
Figure 22: Top 7 terms that straight people call LGBT people according to LGBT people –
Non-spontaneous (%)
Call By
Name
Bong, Pu, Khteuy
Pa, Ta
91
Chae
PD
Khluon
Sim Pi
46
40
40
35
66
53
Total
94
80
42
35
31
25
25
88
51
67
58
51
56
45
94
82
25
19
25
23
91
47
67
45
41
53
47
90
75
46
52
49
43
34
47
71
67
54
60
45
23
27
Biologically female
Biologically male
41
Lesbians
Gay men*
Bisexuals*
87
Transgender women
94
55
40
25
79
Transgender men
SOURCE: Q37. What other terms do straight people call you?
Base: Total (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218);
Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women (n=121),
Transgender Men (n=124)
*Gay Men and
Bisexuals low
base size
When asking LGBT respondents what terms they would prefer to be called, the majority of them
state that they want to be called by name (Figure 23) implying that they do not want to be
labelled. Also, 64% of biologically female LGBT prefer to be called “bong, pu, pa, ta”, and about
half of transgender women want to be called “chae”, respectively.
Figure 23: Top 3 preferred terms to be called (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
86
82
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
89
92
83
79
83
73
64
51
48
24
Total
66
61
30 34
15
Biologically
Female
31
22
47
23
17
26
6
Biologically
Male
Call by name
Lesbians
Gay men*
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Bisexuals*
Chae
SOURCE: Q37A. What terms would you prefer to be called?
Base: Total (478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103),
Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women (n=121), Transgender Men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Transgender Transgender
women
men
*Gay Men and
Bisexuals low
base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
37
While some terms (e.g., Khteuy, khluon, etc.) are defined the same by both the straight and LGBT
communities, other words (e.g., PD, sim pi, etc.) are understood differently by each community
(Appendix 2: Defining LGBT in Khmer), according to the FGDs. Members of the straight
community, especially those who are opposed to same-sex relationships, exhibit less sensitivity
toward LGBT people as seen by the terminology they use. For example, some straight people use
the term “Khteuy” in Khmer, which can be interpreted in a derogatory fashion. Furthermore, the
term “ah chhmol” in Khmer that translates to “male – a term used with animals only” is an
insulting word for women who love women.
While at least 29% of straight people state that the use of words “ah (male) Khteuy” and “me
(female) Khteuy” to describe members of the LGBT community is insulting, in other cases the
straight community does not appear to realize that these terminologies are offensive. Based on
their non-apologetic tone and confident delivery, many do not feel that the following terms have
derogatory connotations: “Khteuy”, “PD”, “sim pi” (two sim cards), “ah chhmol” (male).
Furthermore, the survey reveals that 27% or more of straight respondents find “Khteuy”, “ah
Khteuy”, and “me Khteuy” funny. However, only 16% of LGBT respondents think the
aforementioned terms are funny.
In speaking to LGBT people in the survey, more than half assert that “Khteuy”, “ah Khteuy”, and
“me Khteuy” are insulting to their lifestyle. Although during the FGDs, they expressed that there
are certain situations where these terms can be used endearingly, such as when close friends joke
with them. The distinction in this case is that friends use these terms as a way to embrace LGBT
identities through humor, not to discriminate.
18-30 year old, transgender woman, Kampong Cham
“When I hear straight people call me ‘khteuy or ah khteuy’, I get angry.
I feel they’re making fun of me, but I cannot do anything for fear that
they’ll beat me. Instead, I try to hold in my anger and let it go.”
In the FGDS, neither straight nor homosexual people spontaneously mentioned the terms “srey
srolanh srey”, “bros srolanh bros”, or “neak srolanh pi phed” when asking how they would refer to
two women who are in a same-sex relationship, two men who are in a same-sex relationship, and
people who are attracted to both sexes, respectively. After probing the terms in Khmer, most were
receptive to these terms. Nobody mentioned “queer”, which may mean that they are either not
aware of this emerging identity or not used to discussing it with others.
Clear language being used around LGBT is complicated by a number of factors such as the number
of terms used by different groups; different groups using and understanding terms in different
ways, and people having different feelings about different terms. Appendix 2: Defining LGBT in
Khmer shows in great detail the responses to various terminologies from different groups of
respondents. There is a lot of learning about what terms should be promoted and what terms
should be phased out as they often cause offence.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
38
Chapter 6: Perceptions and Attitudes
When straight people hear the term “LGBT people”, they reported that the top three things that
come to their minds spontaneously are: “it is their nature”, “they are normal”, and “they were
born that way” (Figure 24). This could be a surprise for some LGBT people because only 18% of
them reported that they believe straight people think “it’s their nature” compared to the straight
people’ response, 33%. However, in the case of ‘They are normal/I am normal’, LGBT respondents
seem to overestimate this response believing 37% of straight people think this compared to the
straight people’ response, 28%.
Among the LGBT group, there is a significant difference in how biological women and men perceive
straight peoples’ responses. Biologically male LGBT echo the thoughts of straight people toward
themselves. On the other hand, biologically female LGBT are less likely than biological men to
think of those responses. Interestingly, among LGBT people, a quarter of bisexuals believe that
straight people think that bisexual people behave the opposite of their sex.
Figure 24:
Among Straight People: Top 7 things that come to mind when they hear
“LGBT People” – Spontaneous (%)
Among LGBT People: Top 7 things that they believe straight people think
when they hear “LGBT People” – Spontaneous (%)
Of Straight People (%)
33
36
29
35
28
36
Its their nature
They normal
17
They behave the
opposite of their
sex
They are
happy/sweet
couples
8
19
15
12
16
10
10
5
4
25
37
I am normal
31
45
29
14
16
I was born that way
10
24
15
11
20
I behave the
opposite of my sex
LGBT couples are
happy/sweet
11
8
15
12
13
I am friendly
8
17
9
They are funny
8
Total
Opponents
12
12
9
They are friendly
18
Its my nature
32
23
They were born
that way
Of LGBT People (%)
13
16
12
Supporters
Neutral Group
11
Support my lifestyle
8
15
Total
Biologically Male
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Biologically Female
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
39
50
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
45
40
33
31
26
14
13
12
15
14
8
7
It’s my
nature
I am normal
Lesbians
26
26
23
23
I was born
that way
Gay men*
10
18
12 12 11
15 15
6
I behave the LGBT couples
opposite of my
are
sex
happy/sweet
Bisexuals*
7
11
15
19
14 15 14
9
9
Support my
lifestyle
I am friendly
Transgender women
6
Transgender men
SOURCE: Q6. What comes to your mind when you hear “LGBT people”? (for straight
people) and Q6. In your experience, what do straight people in general think about you
being a LGBT person? (For LGBT people)
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group
(n=130); Biologically Female (n=255); Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Male (n=218);
Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women (n=121),
Transgender Men (n=124)
*Gay Men and Bisexuals
low base size
When respondents were prompted, “they are happy/sweet couple” and “I behave the opposite of
my sex” no longer made the top 7 list among straight and LGBT communities, respectively. Based
on Figure 24 & Figure 25, “I am confident” replaced “I behave the opposite of my sex” among
LGBT people, and “their parents are disappointed to have them” replaced “they are a happy/sweet
couple” among straight people.
Figure 25:
Among Straight People: Top 7 things that come to mind when they hear
“LGBT People” – Non-spontaneous (%)
Among LGBT People: Top 7 things that they believe straight people think
when they hear “LGBT People” – Non-spontaneous (%)
Of Straight People (%)
68
71
63
70
Its their nature
They were born
that way
61
64
58
58
They are normal
55
63
46
58
They are funny
41
43
41
32
They behave the
opposite of their
sex
39
40
39
37
They are friendly
36
41
30
42
Their parents are
disappointed to
have them
Total
Opponents
Of LGBT People (%)
36
32
40
36
Supporters
Neutral Group
58
59
57
Its my nature
63
62
64
I was born that way
75
78
70
I am normal
61
67
55
I am friendly
LGBT couples are
happy/sweet
I am confident
Support my lifestyle
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Total
56
66
44
54
57
50
52
53
50
Biologically Female
Biologically Male
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
40
85
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
75
60
69
64
57
60
60
79
67
65 64
71
56
70
68
52
48
66
69
68
62
51
42
67
59
58
47
58
48
50
50
53
42
36
It’s my nature
I was born
that way
Lesbians
I am normal
Gay men*
I am
friendly
Bisexuals*
LGBT couples I am confident
are
happy/sweet
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q7. What other things come to your mind when you hear “LGBT people”? (For
straight people); Q7. Do straight people in general think about you in any of the
following ways? (For LGBT people)
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group
(n=130); Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218),
Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women (n=121),
Transgender men (n=124)
Support my
lifestyle
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals
low base size
The positive thoughts toward LGBT people noted in Figure 25 among straight people who are LGBT
opponents may be an effort to be politically correct. In the FGDs, we observed mixed opinions
among the straight community regarding what comes to mind when they hear “LGBT people”
(Table 1). LGBT supporters stated their respect for LGBT people and some felt that this community
leads happier lives than straight people. On the other hand, LGBT opponents viewed homosexual
people negatively (see Table 1).
Table 1: Quotes from Straight Community: Top of Mind Attitudes toward LGBT People
Quotes – Top of Mind about LGBT People
LGBT Supporters
LGBT Opponents
18-30 year old, Female, Takeo
18-30 year old, Male, Phnom Penh
“LGBT couples are sweet. I have a lesbian
“Families and society cannot accept
friend who is in relationship with another
homosexual people. It is not natural,
woman. They understand each other, take
and it is not right for a man to live with
care of each other, and love each other so
a man or a woman to live with another
much. The level of sweetness of opposite sex
woman.”
couples is not comparable to same-sex ones.”
18-30 year old, Male, Kandal
18-30 year old, Female, Kampong
“I picture homosexual people wearing clothes
Cham
opposite to their sex. They are friendly and
“Khteuy people are thieves. I saw them
funny. I respect their same-sex relationship,
stealing stuff. They are bad people.”
and I sometimes wonder and am curious
about their lifestyles.”
31+ year old, Female, Prey Veng
31+ year old, Male, Kampong Speu
“I feel they are as normal as straight couples,
“Khteuy are more sensitive and jealous
and they do love each other and want to live
than straight people. I have a lesbian
together.”
cousin. Her partner usually gets jealous
and is aggressive toward her. I have
never seen straight couples so jealous
like that.”
31+ year old, Male, Phnom Penh
31+ year old, Female, Kandal
“Same-sex relationships existed even before
“I think their parents would be
the Pol Pot regime. My close friend who is a
disappointed for they expect their
lesbian has lived with her partner since
children to get married so that they can
before the Khmer Rouge period. I still keep in
have grandchildren.”
touch with her closely, and I do not
discriminate against her.”
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
41
How LGBT People See Themselves
More biologically female LGBT than biologically male have a positive self-image. They support their
own lifestyle, and they think they are normal, confident, born the way they are, friendly, and make
a happy/sweet couple when in a relationship (Figure 26). Additionally, they believe their sexual
orientation and gender identity is their nature. Compared to other LGBT people, gay men and
transgender women are significantly less likely to believe they make a happy/sweet couple when
they are in a relationship. We also learned from FGDs that biologically male LGBT have less trust in
their partner. They believe that their relationship would not last long since both parties will get
married to a straight woman sooner or later.
Figure 26: Top 7 ways that LGBT people see themselves (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
66
73
58
Support my
lifestyle
65
73
57
I am normal
64
71
70
57
I am born that
way
Total
61
69
65
49
I am confident
60
56
62
59
47
Its my nature
Biologically female
I am friendly
53
43
LGBT couples
are happy/sweet
Biologically male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
73 75
72
72
55
66
77
70
56
51
52
54
77
74
73 73
69 66
69 69
58
48
54 57
67
62
45
43
70
64 67
42
30
Support my
lifestyle
I am normal
Lesbians
I am born that
way
Gay men*
I am confident
Bisexuals*
Its my nature
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q7a. In which of the following ways do you think about
yourself?
Base: Total (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male
(n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61);
Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
68
I am friendly
28
LGBT couples
are happy/sweet
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base size
Straight People Intention to Try to Understand LGBT People
Less than one-fifth of LGBT supporters, opponents and the neutral group in our sample have ever
sought to understand why LGBT people are attracted to the same-sex (Figure 27). On the other
hand, more than half of LGBT people said that straight people have tried to understand why they
are LGBT. Reasons for this gap could be partly explained by the possibility that of the 60% or so of
straight respondents who know an LGBT person (Figure 31) have a distant relationship (Figure 32)
to LGBT people, which would not easily facilitate a deep discussion of a personal nature. The gap
could also be explained by the possibility that if only one straight person ever tried to understand
one LGBT respondent, this would elicit a positive response from the LGBT sample.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
42
Figure 27:
Straight people: (%) who ever sought to understand why LGBT people are
attracted to the same-sex
LGBT people: (%) of straight people who have ever sought to understand
why the LGBT respondent is LGBT
Of Total (%)
60
16
Straight People (%)
LGBT People (%)
Of Straight and LGBT People (%)
17
14
18
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral
Groups
60
63
Lesbians
Gay men*
62
58
Biologically Biologically
female
male
62
59
57
Bisexuals* Transgender Transgender
women
men
SOURCE: Q8.Have you ever sought to understand why people are attracted to the samesex (for straight people)? Q8. Have straight people ever asked/sought to understand you
why you are LGBT (for LGBT people)?
Base: Total Staight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponents (n=467), Neutral Group
(n=130), Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218);
Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women (n=121),
Transgender men (n=124)
*Gay Men and Bisexuals
low base size
Of the 16% of straight people who sought to understand LGBT people, about three-quarters
sought information through asking LGBT people directly (Figure 28). Less than 20% chose to
discuss it with other straight people and to do research via media (books, magazines and
internet). This may suggest significant fears about talking about the topic, fear of causing offense.
Figure 28: Top 5 ways that straight people seek to understand why LGBT people are
attracted to the same-sex (%)
82
72
65
19
Ask LGBT people
23
13
10
Ask other straight
people
14
6
8
11
6
Read in a
Search on the internet
newspaper/magazine
Total
Supporters
SOURCE: Q8a If yes, how did you seek to understand why people are
attracted to the same-sex?
Base: Supporters (n=82), Opponents (n=65)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
7
5
11
Read in a book
Opponents
*Opponents low base size
Neutral group base size is too small to chart
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
43
How Much Do Straight People Truly Support LGBT People?
Predictably, more than three quarters of opponents think that it is wrong for LGBT people to be in
a romantic/sexual relationship (Figure 29). More concerning is that over a third of supporters and
more than three quarters of the neutral group do not find LGBT romantic/sexual relationships
acceptable. Within these figures, 21% of supporters and 56% neutrals expressed neutrality
preferring not to say whether romantic or sexual relations for LGBT people were wrong or right.
Figure 29: Perception of straight people on the romantic/sexual relationship of LGBT
people – top & bottom 2 boxes and neutral (%)
Wrong (%)
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral Group
Neutral (%)
17
77
Acceptable (%)
21
62
10
23
12
56
21
SOURCE: Q8B. What do you think about the romantic/sexual relationships of LGBT people? Please rate your thoughts on a 5
point scale, where 1 is always wrong and 5 is not wrong at all.
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponents (n=467), Neutral Groups (n=130)
LGBT supporters are a conflicted group, as there is a decent portion that does not support various
types of LGBT people (Figure 30). Compared to LGBT opponents and neutral group, more LGBT
supporters accept all types of LGBT people (Figure 30). However, more LGBT supporters than
opponents also are more likely to find all types of LGBT people unacceptable.
The top five acceptable types of LGBT people among straight people are:
1. Men who change their sex organs to be female
2. Women who dress like men and have sex with men
3. Women who change their sex organs to be male
4. Women who have sex with women
5. Men who dress like women and have sex with women
On the
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
other hand, the top five unacceptable types of LGBT people among straight people are:
Men who have sex with men and women
Women who dress like men and have sex with women who dress like men
Men who dress like women and have sex with men who dress like women
Men who dress like women and have sex with women and men
Women who dress like men and have sex with women and men
Of the 15 types of LGBT gender expression and sexual practice in Figure 30, neither the supporter
nor the neutral group accepted any one type completely. The highest level of acceptability for
certain types of LGBT gender expression and sexual practice is 40% among supporters and 34%
among the neutral group. Moreover, at least 40% of supporters and neutrals found six types of
LGBT gender expression and sexual practice unacceptable. Surprisingly, a lesser percentage of the
opponents found these same six practices unacceptable. Even more surprisingly, on almost every
other type of LGBT practice, fewer opponents reported unacceptability compared to neutrals and
supporters.
These findings call into question the self-designation of respondents as ‘supporters’ or ‘neutrals’. It
is generally accepted that the two aspects of LGBT life, sexual behavior and sexual expression,
evoke the negative reactions among straight people. However, the unexpected high levels of
negativity associated with LGBT sexual practice among supporters and neutrals lead to the
question as to how much of what supporters and neutrals have expressed about LGBT elsewhere
in this survey reflects what they truly believe and think.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
44
Figure 30: 15 types of LGBT gender expression and sexual practice – by Straight people
(%)
Supporters (%)
Opponents (%)
Neutral group (%)
Men who change their sex
organs to be female
22
40
18 20
Women who dress like men and
have sex with men
24
38
19 23
21
23
Women who change their sex
organs to be male
23
39
15 18
26
29
Women who have sex with
women
28
36
27 13
Men who dress like women and
have sex with women
31
29
Men who have sex with men
33
28
Women who dress like men and
have sex with men who dress
like women
33
22
Women who dress like men and
have sex with women
36
24
Men who dress like women and
have sex with men
35
21 18
31
7
29 13
34
18
28
27
34
20
38
15
38
15
27 9
36
18
25
20 7
31
13
Women who have sex with
women and men
41
21
31
7
40
14
Men who have sex with men and
women
45
18
31
7
42
11
Women who dress like men
and have sex with women who
dress like men
43
17
31 4
42
6
Men who dress like women and
have sex with men who dress
like women
47
14
31 4
42
6
Men who dress like women and
have sex with women and men
53
8
34 5
48
4
Women who dress like men and
have sex with women and men
54
8
31
4
46
6
Acceptable
Unacceptable
SOURCE: Q8C. Which, if any, of the following people do you think are acceptable?
Q8D. Which, if any, of the following people do you think are not acceptable?
Base: Supporters (n=412), Opponents (n=382), Neutral Groups (n=112)
Level and Types of Interaction between Straight and LGBT People
More than half of LGBT supporters, opponents and neutral groups know someone who identifies as
a LGBT person (Figure 31).
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
45
Figure 31: Straight people who know someone who identifies as a LGBT person (%)
Supporters (%)
Opponents (%)
37
Neutral group
(%)
40
45
55
63
Know LGBT People
60
Don't Know LGBT People
SOURCE: Q8E. Do you know anyone who is LGBT?
Base: Supporters (n=412), Opponents (n=385), Neutral Groups (n=112)
Among straight people who know any LGBT people, a quarter or more are their neighbor(s) or
acquaintance(s), which are distant relationships (Figure 32). Only one-tenth or less is their
friends/close friends, immediate/extended family, and/or colleague(s). Supporters are slightly
more likely than opponents and the neutral group to have close friends, friends and family who
identify as LGBT, which potentially explains their supportive self-designation.
Figure 32: Top 7 types of relationship of straight people to LGBT people whom they
know (%)
37
39 39
33
30
25
12
8
10
7
8
9
8
5
8
6
2
Neighbor
Acquaintance
Friend
Supporters
Extended
family
Opponents
Colleague
3
Close friend
2
3
3
Immediate
family
Neutral group*
SOURCE: Q8F. What is your relationship to them?
Base: supporters (n=259), Opponents (n=212), Neutral groups (n=67)
*Neutral group low base size
After learning their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), straight people state that they
reacted positively (Figure 33). These results are also corroborated when asking LGBT people about
the straight community’s reaction to them. That said LGBT people overstate the positivity of the
reactions. For instance, LGBT respondents are more likely to feel that straight people “admire that
I dare to be who I am (68%)” than the amount of straight people who actually state that they
“admire LGBT that dare to be who they are (34%)”.
Over half of straight respondents reported that their top three reactions towards LGBT people are
‘interact and avoid the topic’, ‘try to change them at first, if not successful, let them be’, and ‘try
to understand them, then accept them’. Interestingly, about three-quarter or less reported that
straight people ‘try to understand me, and then accept me’, ‘admire me that I dare to be who I
am’, and ‘accept and support me’.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
46
The further breakdown of types of LGBT people shows that bisexuals’ reported a higher perceived
rate of acceptance (89%) and admiration (78%) than other types of LGBT. However, in earlier
findings (Figure 18), bisexuals reported having more fears around discrimination, and being
judged, bullied and harassed than their counterparts. This apparent contradiction could be
understood as the disjuncture which LGBT people often experience between their personal sphere
(close friends and family who accept and support them) and the public sphere where
discrimination, judgment, bullying, and harassment is very common.
Figure 33: Top 5 reactions of straight people to LGBT people (%)
Of Straight People (%)
64 61 65
71
60 56 63 61
62
55
54
43
48
41
34
34
27
33
31
17
Interact with
them, but avoid
the topic
Try to understand Admire them that Accept them and
Try to change
them first, if not them, then accept they dare to be
support them
them
who they are
successful, let
them be
Total
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral Group
Of LGBT People (%)
74
74
74
68
75
60
Try to understand Admire me that I
me, then accept dare to be who I
me
am
Total
89
73 70
68
64
71
Accept me and
support me
70
62
55
54
55
56
Try to change me Interact with me,
but avoid the topic
first, if not
successful, let me
be
Biologically female
Biologically male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
72 73
78
74
55
76
69 73
57
64
69
63
66
72
58
69
60
51
53 56 56 52
Try to understand me, Admire me that I dare Accept me and support Try to change me first, Interact with me, but
then accept me
to be who I am
me
if not successful, let me
avoid the topic
be
Lesbians
Gay men
Bisexuals
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q9 What was/were your reaction(s) to them (for straight people)? Q9.
Which of the following have been reactions from straight people after knowing that
you are LGBT (for LGBT people)?
Base: Total Straight (n=714), Supporters (n=335), Opponents (n=294), Neutral
groups (n=85); Total LGBT (n=287), Biologically female (n=149); Bilogically male
(n=135); Lesbians (62); Gay men (n=40); Bisexuals (n=36); Transgender women
(n=75); transgender men (n=71)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Transgender men
*All types of LGBT people low base
size, except Transgender women
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
47
Based on the respondents we spoke to in the FGDs, the straight community’s perceptions of LGBT
people seem to be shaped by their personal experience with homosexual people. A few of the
LGBT supporters used to be ideologically against homosexual people. However, after learning that
their supposedly straight friends or relatives were actually LGBT, their attitudes shifted. When
seeking understanding and reasoning, the LGBT person responded that their SOGI was due to
nature and not by choice.
31+ year old, Female, Kampong Speu
“One day, my male friend came to me with a secret that he loved another man. I
thought that he was telling me that he loved me, joking. Anyway, I was shocked and it
was hard to believe that he is gay. He said he has always been attracted to men, and
that this is how he feels.”
For the following respondent, it was a life-changing event that caused him to change his
discriminatory attitudes and behaviors toward LGBT people:
18-30 years old, Male, Kampong Cham
“I used to hate transgender women and wherever I saw them I beat them. I also tried
to force gay men to be normal straight men. However, I changed my mind to support
homosexual people after the stampede at Koh Pich in 2010. I was stuck in the
stampede and could not move when a transgender woman tried to pull me out. My life
was saved by him! After that day, I became friends same-sex people and hang out
with them closely. Some people say I am gay, but I do not care.”
What Makes Someone LGBT?
The majority of both straight and LGBT people think that humans are attracted to the same-sex by
nature (Figure 34). Three quarters or more think that it is by choice. The word, by choice, is
interpreted differently among LGBT and straight people. According to the LGBT respondents in the
FGDs, “by choice” means that it is their business and way of life, not that they choose to be
homosexual. On the other hand, a follow-up phone call with 20 straight people reveals that their
understanding of ‘by choice’ is that LGBT people choose to be attracted to the same-sex rather
than it being their nature. A few straight people called also perceive ‘by choice’ as choosing to be
LGBT by following other homosexual people. This difference indicates that LGBT people themselves
are very clear about why they are LGBT. Figure 34 confirms high consistent percentages of “it is
my nature (98%)” to be LGBT with “it’s a choice that I make (84%)”, which means in effect “I am
choosing to live truly to my nature”.
Interestingly, more than half of straight and LGBT people think that Karma from a previous life
explains LGBT people’s SOGI. In this context karma can be understood as negative karma,
meaning in one’s previous life one made some mistakes and so one is born as LGBT in the next, or
this life.
While more than a third of straight people think being LGBT is not normal/natural, half of LGBT
respondents feel that they are not normal/natural. Perhaps this is due to the karmic link and
general morality messages they receive all through their formative years. Among the LGBT
respondents, it is transgender men who report the highest level (59%) of feeling not
normal/natural while transgender women report the lowest level (40%).
Less than 35% of straight people also think that people are LGBT due to foreign influence,
following other LGBT people or a difficult break-up with the opposite sex. Representing anomalies
among other LGBT, 40% of lesbians and 30% of bisexuals state that they are LGBT due to a
difficult break-up with the opposite sex, and 30% of bisexuals say they are homosexual because of
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
48
following other LGBT. “Following other LGBT people and changed to be LGBT” could be another
example of a phrase that has two different meanings to straight and LGBT people. For straight
people this means following a fashion or a trend whereas for LGBT people this is likely to mean it
was not until they met others who were like them that they came to a full understanding of who
they were and that they could express this, particularly if they were living in isolated settings.
Figure 34: Top 7 reasons that people are LGBT (%)
Of Straight People (%)
89
94
83
92
It’s their nature
They followed
other LGBT people
and changed to be
LGBT
98
93
15
11
21
17
18
16
21
28
12
Difficult breakup with
the opposite sex
Total
Biologically Female
Biologically Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
89
75
53
47
I followed other LGBT
people and changed
to be LGBT
30
30
30
30
Supporters
Neutral Group
Total
Opponents
50
Social media
influence
32
32
34
25
Difficult breakup
with the opposite
sex
62
48
I am not
natural/normal
34
32
38
32
Foreign influence
56
Karma from previous
life
40
39
43
37
They are not
natural/normal
84
90
78
It’s a choice I make
53
51
57
47
Karma from
previous life
94
96
92
It’s my nature
75
77
73
72
It’s a choice they
make
93 91 95 92
Of LGBT People (%)
78
85
63
56
45
62
48
59
49 52 52
40
40
30
13
It’s my nature
It’s a choice I
make
Lesbians
Karma from
previous life
Gay men*
I am not
natural/normal
Bisexuals*
19 18 21
20
10
10
8
12 16
Social media I followed other Difficult breakup
with the
influence
LGBT people and
opposite sex
changed to be
LGBT
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q10 What do you think are the reasons that people are LGBT (for straight
people)? & Q10. If/when straight people want to know why you are LGBT, what do
you say to them (for LGBT people)?
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral
Group (n=130); Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male
(n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women
(n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
13
30
17
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low
base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
49
Despite ‘social media influence in making people to be LGBT’ not appearing in the top 7 reasons
among straight people, in the FGDs LGBT opponents stated they firmly believe that peer influence
and LGBT acceptance on social media (the latter is especially among young LGBT opponents) have
a great impact on people becoming LGBT. They believe young people spread news and stories
instantly via Facebook and when their friends see these posts; they become curious about dating
same-sex people and eventually adopt LGBT lifestyles. Among LGBT respondents ‘social media
influence’ does appear in the survey as the top 7 reasons, but it is the least influential reason.
However, this reason most likely relates to social media helping them to come out and find support
rather than it making them LGBT.
Another belief of a few straight people in the FGDs is that becoming homosexual is due to foreign
influence. This is not something that was mentioned by LGBT respondents.
31+ years old, Male, Phnom Penh
“I heard on the radio and read in newspapers about an expat man having sex with
a Khmer boy. The boy absorbed the homosexuality from an expat man and now the
boy only knows how to have sex with a man not with a woman.”
Heart-break is another reason for becoming gay, especially among women, according to some in
the straight community and a few in the LGBT community that we spoke to in the FGDs. For
instance, some have seen their female friends struggling to overcome break-ups with men and in
their despair they turn to women who are “tomboys.” Respondents from the straight community
also believe that chemical food can transform straight people to LGBT.
31+ years old, Female, Phnom Penh
“I have seen women who have babies born with more than two legs or more
than ten fingers. This is due to chemical food that the mothers eat. Hence, I
think chemicals in food can make people become Khteuy.”
Interestingly, in Cambodian culture, money or working status are prioritized over gender/sexual
identity. The economic status or working title of LGBT can change straight people’s (particularly
LGBT opponents’) perceptions and reactions – higher income LGBT are less discriminated against
by straight people than LGBT earning less.
18-30 years old, Female, Phnom Penh
“My colleagues and I know that our boss is gay. We respect him and value his
working capability.”
Feelings about Being LGBT
In spontaneous responses to their feelings about being LGBT, a third of LGBT respondents felt
‘normal’ and a quarter felt ‘proud’ (Figure 35). However, 22% feel ‘shameful’ and 9% feel ‘sorry
for themselves’. Less than half of lesbians report feeling normal, yet only 14% accept themselves.
Less than 20% of all types of LGBT report feeling happy with regards to their SOGI. Feelings of
pride range from the lowest, 14% among gay men, to the highest, 31% among transgender
women. LGBT respondents reported the widest range of difference with regard to ‘feeling
shameful’. While 11% of transgender men feel shameful, 36% of gay men feel ashamed. Less than
a quarter of all LGBT respondents reported feeling hopeful. The level of self-acceptance of
transgender women (27%) is the highest compared to other types of LGBT.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
50
Figure 35: Top 7 types of feeling of being LGBT people – Spontaneous (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
38
33
31
24 24 24
22
24
22
19
18 16
15
13
20
15 16 13
9
Normal
Proud
Shameful
Total
Accept
myself
Biologically female
Hopeful
Happy
7
10
Sorry for
myself
Biologically male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
42
34
23
36
34
21
31
31
28
17
14
27
25
23
20
16
11
14
15
18
20
23
17 17
16 14
16
13
13 15
11 11
6
Normal
Proud
Lesbians
Shameful
Gay men
Accept myself
Bisexuals
Hopeful
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q11. How do you feel being a LGBT person? - Spontaneous
Base: Total (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male
(n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61);
Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
8 8
Happy
Sorry for
myself
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base size
When we compare these findings with those of non-spontaneous responses to the same question
in (Figure 36), all levels of responses for both positive feelings and negative feelings increase. The
biggest increases are seen in self-acceptance and hopefulness, jumping from less than one-fifth to
70% or more (Figure 35 & Figure 36). However a new response, ‘I wish I could be straight’
becomes one of the top 7 feelings with 21% of LGBT respondents wish they were straight. Feeling
shameful among LGBT people increases almost half, from 22% to 42% (Figure 35 & Figure 36).
Interestingly, the only response that did not change among LGBT respondents is ‘feeling normal’,
which remained at 31%. In summary, while increases in positive feelings of self-acceptance, hope
and pride paint a very positive picture, this has to be balanced with the increases in negative
feelings of shame, self-pity and the 21% who wish they could be straight.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
51
Figure 36: Top 7 types of feeling of being LGBT people – Non-spontaneous (%)
73 80
70
66
78
62
62
68
Of LGBT People (%)
55
42
49
38
36
31
22
Accept
myself
Hopeful
Proud
Total
83
74
77 79
69
66
59
60
I wish I
could be
straight
Biologically male
67
65
68
60
56
51
42
42
41
34
31
23
Hopeful
Lesbians
Sorry for
myself
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
44
Accept myself
21 18 23
Normal
Biologically female
76
72
Shameful
25 24 25
Proud
Gay men
Shameful
Bisexuals
34
21
19
Normal
38
33
22
27
16
Sorry for
myself
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q12. How do you feel being a LGBT people?
Base: Total (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male
(n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61);
Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
27
22
17 19
I wish I could
be straight
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base size
Feelings of Straight People If Their Child, Child In-law, or Spouse Were LGBT
When asking how straight people would feel if they had LGBT children, their feelings skew more
negative than positive. Half or more would feel shameful, angry, sorry for their children, wish their
children were straight, and hopeless (Figure 37). Further examined, respondents who selfdesignate as LGBT supporters reveal a similar disturbing result with 59% of supporters feeling
shameful and wishing their children would be straight. Previously in Figure 29 and Figure 30 we
saw a similar concerning trend of negative reactions among supporters and neutrals towards
same-sex romantic/sexual relationships and practice. This might reflect truer feeling/actions of
straight people when the issue comes close to their heart. On the other hand, while more than a
third of the supporters accept their LGBT children, the similar percentage of the opponents deny
them.
Figure 37: Top 8 types of straight people’s feeling if they had LGBT children (%)
Of Straight People (%)
59
74
68
55
51
53
62 58 65
59
63
55
62
48
50
46
35
28
36
17
Shameful
Angry
Sorry
for them
Would
wish they
were straight
Hopeless
Blame myself
Supporters
24
32
17
Accepting
Opponents
17
Denial
Neutral group
SOURCE: Q11. How would you feel if you had children who were LGBT?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponents (n=467), Neutral groups (n=130)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
52
LGBT supporters, opponents, and the neutral group would show the same top five negative
feelings to their LGBT children in-law and LGBT spouse as to their LGBT children (Figure 38 &
Figure 39), but the rank of each feeling differs.
Figure 38: Top 8 feelings of straight people if they had LGBT children in-law (%)
Of Straight People (%)
72
68
57
49 49 53
51
40
38
43
42
31
35 39 37
28
37
32
37
26
25
19
7
Angry
Supporters
Shameful
Hopeless
Opponents
Sorry for
them
Neutral group
Would wish Blame myself
they were
straight
Denial
12
Accepting
SOURCE: Q12 How would you feel if you had children in-law who was LGBT?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponents (n=467), Neutral groups (n=130)
Figure 39: Top 8 feelings of straight people if they had a LGBT spouse (%)
Of Straight People (%)
60
70 68
45 46
41
40 44 42
38
25
30
27
32 31
31
22
31
25 29 23
11
Angry
Supporters
Hopeless
Shameful
Opponents
Denial
Neutral group
Would wish
they were
straight
Sorry for
them
5
9
Blame myself Accepting
SOURCE: Q13 How would you feel if you had a spouse who was LGBT?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponents (n=467), Neutral groups (n=130)
To investigate to what extent people might act on their feelings towards a LGBT child, a prompted
question was used. The top first action taken by LGBT supporters would be to try to change their
child and only if this were unsuccessful would they let their children be (78%, Figure 40).
Furthermore, less than one-fifth of supporters would force their children to date or get married to
the opposite sex, and to separate them from their desired partner. For the neutral respondents the
percentages associated with each action are also concerning: 74%, 9% and 12% respectively.
What is not captured in these findings is the length of time and the number of ways in which
parents would seek to change their children. Therefore, it is important to note that by the time a
parent may decide to let their LGBT child be, that young person/adult may have suffered
significant physical and emotional hurt and harm, which can impact their lives for a long time
afterwards. Despite the concerns raised here, LGBT supporters and the neutrals both act more
positively towards their children than the LGBT opponents. Approximately 43% of the opponents
would reject their LGBT child if they failed to change the child. Family rejection has severe impacts
on LGBT people. Rejection often leads to homelessness, poverty, loss of education and other life
opportunities, reduced levels of self-esteem and resilience. As a result, the rejection leads to
greater vulnerability to falling into violence, drugs and crime.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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In the FGDs when straight respondents were asked what they would do if they had LGBT children,
both LGBT supporters and LGBT opponents explained that they would try their best to change the
children to become straight. For instance, if their son liked to hang out with girls, play with dolls,
or wear dresses, they would find a way to stop this behavior (e.g., forbid their son to spend too
much time with girls, etc.) and encourage them to assume the behavior of straight boys. However,
LGBT supporters would let their children retain their identity if many change attempts fail for
fearing of losing their children (e.g., commit suicide). Then they would stand with their children
and not be shameful to be their parents. In contrast to LGBT supporters, the LGBT opponents
expressed tenacity in their drive to change their child’s identity, mentioning drastic tactics such as
physical violence and forced marriage to the opposite sex. They would force their daughters to get
married with men, or send their sons to military school so that the children would become straight.
Figure 40: Top 10 actions if my child was LGBT (%)
Of Straight People (%)
78
Try to change them first, if not successful, let them
be
43
74
63
Try to understand them, then accept them
25
50
44
Let my LGBT children decide what to do for
themselves
24
41
35
Interact with them, but avoid the topic
16
25
30
Accept them and support them
6
16
21
Admire them that they dare to be who they are
7
14
Let my straight children decide what to do for
themselves
16
7
14
Force them to date or get married to the opposite
sex
15
Supporters
Opponents
20
9
10
Separate them from their partner
23
Neutral group
12
1
Try to change them, if not successful, reject them
43
5
SOURCE: Q13a. What would you do if you had a child who was LGBT?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponents (n=467), Neutral groups (n=130)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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54
Figure 41 & Figure 42 show that if straight respondents had LGBT children in-law or a LGBT
spouse, more LGBT supporters than their counterparts would take positive actions toward LGBT
children in-law or LGBT spouses, similar to their response if it were their own children. On the
other hand, more LGBT opponents would retain the same negative actions that they would take on
their LGBT children. Though worse off than their LGBT children, LGBT children in-law or LGBT
spouses would be disowned or rejected by a quarter or more of opponents.
The findings reflect that when it comes to their personal lives, LGBT opponents would exhibit
stronger negative actions to their LGBT family members than to LGBT non-family members, whom
they are more likely to try to understand, accept, and admire (their courage), etc.
Figure 41: Top 10 actions if my children in-law was LGBT (%)
Of Straight People (%)
59
Try to change them first, if not successful, let them
be
39
66
35
Try to understand them, then accept them
12
32
32
Let my LGBT children decide what to do for
themselves
19
28
28
Interact with them, but avoid the topic
17
18
Supporters
18
Let my straight children decide what to do for
themselves
13
Opponents
23
14
Admire them that they dare to be who they are
Neutral group
7
10
13
Stop talking to them
23
12
10
Separate them from their partner
17
9
9
Disown them
24
10
2
Try to change them, if not successful, reject them
25
3
SOURCE: Q13b. What would you do if you had a son-in-law or daughter-in-law who was LGBT?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponents (n=467), Neutral groups (n=130)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
55
Figure 42: Top 10 actions if my spouse was LGBT (%)
Of Straight People (%)
47
Try to change them first, if not successful, let them
be
28
50
24
Try to understand them, then accept them
10
28
20
Interact with them, but avoid the topic
10
14
18
Stop talking to them
26
17
Supporters
16
Disown them
29
15
12
Admire them that they dare to be who they are
Opponents
Neutral group
3
8
11
Let my LGBT spouse decide what to do for
themselves
9
12
7
Separate them from their partner
11
8
6
Get divorce,
12
9
4
Try to change them, if not successful, reject them
26
6
SOURCE: Q13c. What would you do if you had a spouse who was LGBT?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponents (n=467), Neutral groups (n=130)
Growing Up LGBT
One-fifth of LGBT respondents state that they have never experienced any negative
thoughts/emotions due to their sexuality (Figure 43). Over a third of LGBT people suffer due to
their sexuality, reporting sleep disorders, irritability, lack of concentration and uncontrollable
negative thoughts impacting on their day-to-day life. Furthermore, a quarter or less report: eating
disorders, engaging in reckless behavior, consuming larger quantities of alcohol than normal,
feeling hopeless and helpless, and feeling less motivated. Biological females consistently report
higher levels of these emotions and behaviors compared to their biological male counterparts. It is
essential to recognize that the emotions and behaviors described above are often linked with the
deterioration of both mental and physical health over time.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
56
Figure 43: Experiences LGBT people face due to their sexuality (%)
Of LGBT
People (%)
44
Can’t sleep or sleep too much
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
47
47
47
50
37
39
36
37
33
36
40
31
36
33
51
40
52
52
32
39
36
31
Can’t concentrate
Much more irritable, short-tempered,
or aggressive than usual
44
30
33
27
25
30
41
27
31
21
27
23
26
25
29
21
23
17
24
24
24
17
22
24
19
None/I have never experience any
event
21
22
Feel less motivated to do the things I
used to enjoy
19
22
Can’t control negative thoughts, no
matter how much I try
23
18
35
35
Lost my appetite or I can’t stop eating
25
22
27
25
21
18
16
23
20
20
23
22
18
20
15
20
9
13
17
34
Engage in other reckless behavior
30
Consume more alcohol than normal
28
Feel hopeless and helpless
Total
Gay men
Biologically female
Bisexuals
Biologically male
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q13. Have you ever experienced any of the following due to
your sexuality?
Base: Total (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male
(n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61);
Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
20
26
Lesbians
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base size
Khmer Culture and LGBT
While the view of LGBT supporters as to the extent which Khmer culture and tradition supports or
rejects LGBT people is almost equally split (support 42% vs. reject 46%), the view of the
opponents and the neutral group on this issue is far different (Figure 44). Approximately 86% of
LGBT opponents and 56% of neutral group think that Khmer culture and tradition rejects LGBT
people. In other words, straight people’s own attitudes guide how they view Khmer culture and
traditions (i.e., opponents who reject the LGBT community are more likely to feel Khmer culture
and tradition also rejects LGBT).
The view of biologically male LGBT is also almost equally split (support 41% vs. reject 45%). On
the other hand, more biologically female LGBT (52%) than biologically male LGBT (41%) find that
Khmer culture and tradition supports LGBT people. Among types of LGBT people, lesbians are the
most likely (54%), and gay men are the least likely (34%) to find Khmer culture support LGBT.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
57
Compared to their cohorts, gay men and transgender women are most likely to feel Khmer culture
rejects LGBT people, and least likely to feel that Khmer culture and tradition supports them.
Figure 44: Rating on the extent to which Khmer culture and tradition support or reject
LGBT People – top & bottom 2 boxes and neutral (%)
Reject (%)
Total Straight
Not Sure (%)
65
Supporters
11
Opponents
86
Neutral Group
24
12
46
42
5 9
27
56
Total LGBT
38
Biologically female
14
28
Gay men
18
34
Transgender women
41
54
34
52
13
47
Transgender men
52
18
48
Bisexuals
47
17
45
Lesbians
16
15
31
Biologically male
Support (%)
41
12
32
18
SOURCE: Q14.To what extent does Khmer culture and tradition support or reject LGBT people?
Please rate in a 5 point scale, where 1 is completely reject and 5 is completely support.
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponents (n=467), Neutral group (n=130)
Biologically Female (n=255), Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103),
Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
50
*Gay Men and
Bisexuals low base
size
Rural/Urban Reaction to LGBT
The majority of straight (79%) and LGBT people (83%) believe there is a difference between how
rural and urban people react to the LGBT community (Figure 45). This belief is echoed through all
types within the LGBT respondents.
Figure 45: Perceived reaction of rural and urban people to the LGBT community
Of Total (%)
17
21
LGBT People
Straight People
79
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
83
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
58
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
19
22
11
21
78
81
Lesbians
Gay men*
79
Bisexuals*
15
85
89
Transgender
women
Transgender
men
Reaction of Rural People and Urban People to LGBT People is different
Reaction of Rural People and Urban People to LGBT People is not different
SOURCE: Q15.Is any difference in how rural people and urban people react to the LGBT community?
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130); Total LGBT
(n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64),
Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women (n=121), Transgender Men (n=124)
*Gay Men and Bisexuals
low base size
Of the people that believe there is a difference, almost all straight respondents (94%) think that
urban people are more open-minded than rural people (Figure 46). LGBT people tend to agree
albeit to a lesser extent. In the sampling however there is a larger percentage of supporters of
LGBT residing in rural areas than in the urban areas which is contrary to the perceptions above.
There is a slight gender divide among the LGBT people. Less biological females (78%) perceive
urban people to be more open to the LGBT community than biological males (88%). Of biological
females, lesbians (72%) are the less likely to believe urban people are more open than
transgender men (84%).
Figure 46: Perceived openness of rural people and urban people toward LGBT
community (%)
Of Total (%)
6
17
Straight People
LGBT People
83
94
Of Straight People (%)
6
94
Supporter
6
94
Opponents
Of LGBT People (%)
2
98
Neutral Group
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
12
22
78
Biologically
female
88
Biologically
male
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
59
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
12
72
Lesbians
11
21
28
79
88
Gay men*
16
84
89
Transgender
women
Bisexuals*
Transgender
men
Rural people are more open to the LGBT community than urban people
Urban people are more open to the LGBT community than rural people
SOURCE: Q16.If yes, how open/closed are rural people vs. urban people toward LGBT community?
Base: Total Straight (n=852), Supporters (n=395), Opponent (n=355), Neutral Group (n=102);
Total LGBT (n=399), Biologically Female (n=207), Biologically Male (n=188); Lesbians (n=83), Gay
Men (n=50), Bisexuals (n=48); Transgender Women (n=108), Transgender Men (n=106)
*Gay Men and Bisexuals
low base size
According to the FGDs with straight participants, the lives of LGBT in rural areas are perceived to
be tougher and more invisible than in urban areas. This perception is driven by the belief that
urban people are too busy to care about other people’s personal affairs and therefore, ignore
LGBT. Also, some straight people believe that urban areas foster LGBT inclusivity, providing more
opportunity to connect in person with their community, and they therefore, feel more confident
coming out. In contrast, people in rural areas are more likely to know everyone in their village
well, so LGBT may be fear of gossip and teasing if other people know who they are.
Khmer LGBT People’s Lives Compared to Straight People’s Lives
When asked to compare the lives of Khmer LGBT people to that of straight people, straight
respondents are more likely to think that the lives of LGBT are tougher (72% vs. 56%), based on
Figure 47. Among straight respondents, more LGBT opponents than supporters think that the lives
of Khmer LGBT people are tougher than straight people’s. Slightly more biologically male LGBT
than biologically female LGBT think that the lives of Khmer LGBT people are tougher than straight
people’s. Among type of LGBT people, one third of lesbians and gay men respondents tend to think
that the lives of Khmer LGBT are easier than straight people’s
Figure 47: Lives of Khmer LGBT compared to straight people in Cambodia - Top & Bottom
2 boxes and neutral (%)
Of Total (%)
The lives of Khmer LGBT in Cambodia (compared to straight people) are...
Tougher (%)
The Same (%)
Easier (%)
Total Straight
Total LGTB
10
72
56
18
17
27
Of Straight People (%)
The lives of Khmer LGBT in Cambodia (compared to straight people) are...
Tougher (%)
64
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral group
Easier (%)
The Same (%)
81
9
27
9
10
69
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
16
15
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
60
Of LGBT People (%)
The lives of Khmer LGBT in Cambodia (compared to straight people) are...
Tougher (%)
Easier (%)
The Same (%)
19
52
Biologically female
60
Biologically male
29
15
25
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
The lives of Khmer LGBT in Cambodia (compared to straight people) are...
Tougher (%)
The Same (%)
Easier (%)
46
Lesbians
50
Gay men*
20
56
Bisexuals*
10
58
Transgender men
30
23
64
Transgender women
39
15
21
26
22
SOURCE: Q17. Compared to straight people, how tough/easy are the lives of
Khmer LGBT people in Cambodia?
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467),
Neutral Group (n=130); Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255),
Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals
(n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
20
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base
size
Although a high rate of LGBT respondents view the lives of other LGBT people as tough (Figure
47), a smaller percentage of them think their own lives are tough (Figure 48). LGBT respondents
think their own life is easier than the rest of the LGBT community. About half of biologically female
LGBT and 40% of biologically male LGBT think their lives are easier than those of straight people.
Compared to other types of LGBT, lesbians have the highest proportion (61%), and transgender
women have the lowest percentage (35%) to feel that their life is easier than their straight
counterparts.
Figure 48: LGBT respondents’ views on their own lives as a Khmer LGBT person in
Cambodia compared to if they were straight- Top & Bottom 2 boxes and neutral (%)
Of Total LGBT People (%)
My life as a Khmer LGBT in Cambodia (compared to a straight person) is...
Easier (%)
Tougher (%)
The Same (%)
Total
39
17
44
Of LGBT People (%)
My life as a Khmer LGBT in Cambodia (compared to a straight person) is...
Tougher (%)
Biologically female
Biologically male
32
46
The Same (%)
Easier (%)
17
17
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
51
37
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
61
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
My life as a Khmer LGBT in Cambodia (compared to a straight person) is...
Tougher (%) The Same (%)
23
Lesbians
Gay men*
45
Transgender women
Transgender men
61
16
17
35
Bisexuals*
48
42
Easier (%)
38
39
26
17
14
SOURCE: Q17A. Compared to straight people, how tough/easy is your life as a
LGBT person in Cambodia?
Base: Total (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218);
Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women
(n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
35
44
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base
size
Top 10 Problems Faced By LGBT People in Cambodia
When asked to identify the biggest problems faced by LGBT people in Cambodia by using a prompt
list, both straight and LGBT people the top three problems as follow (Figure 49):
Being discrimination (86% of straight people; 82% of LGBT people);
Exclusion from families (62% of straight people; 64% of LGBT people); and
Harassment (51% of straight people; 60% of LGBT people).
Another top third problem mentioned by straight people is LGBT people are separated from their
desire partner (51%).
Given that straight respondents were asked to respond to a prompt list, it appears that straight
people have a greater understanding of the range of problems faced by LGBT people than may be
the case in reality.
LGBT respondents rate ‘legal challenges’ as their fourth biggest problem suggesting that full
recognition and equality under the law would eliminate other problems. The ranking given by both
straight and LGBT groups to the other various problems is not very different. Straight people
(41%) identify ‘exclusion from public places’ as the top sixth problem whereas LGBT people place
that in eighth position (33%). In fact, LGBT people are more concerned about ‘exclusion from
workplaces’ (seventh – 36%).
It is interesting to note that among types of LGBT, transgender men and bisexual face the highest
levels of discrimination and exclusion from families, approximately 90% and 70%, respectively
compared to their LGBT counterparts. In terms of the ranking of ‘legal challenges’ as the fourth
top problem faced by LGBT in Cambodia, lesbians drive that ranking with 75% identifying it as a
problem. This could suggest that Cambodian women feel most disempowered under the law,
cultural rules as well as legislation.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
62
Figure 49: Top 10 problems faced by LGBT people in Cambodia (%)
Of Straight People (%)
86 87 84 84
62 61 64
56
51 51 52
51 51 52
42
Discrimination
Exclusion
Harassment
from families
Total
82 87
46 48 44
55
43 41 42 39
43
38 40
37 39
Legal
challenges
Separation
from their
desired
partner
Supporters
Exclusion
from public
places
Opponents
64
69
58
60 60 60
66
56
46
53
59
47
27 28 30 29
Exclusion
from
workplaces
19
Physical
violence by
straight
people
25
20
29 28
Exclusion
from schools
Neutral group
54
46
37
Exclusion
Harassment
from families
Legal
challenges
Total
89 90
81
77 77
Separation
from their
desired
partner
Forced
marriage
Biologically female
36 38 34
Exclusion
from
workplaces
33 33 33
Exclusion
from schools
33 36
28
Exclusion
from public
places
32 36
28
Physical
violence by
straight
people
Biologically male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
75
69
66 67
646463
63
57 54
52
Discrimination
34
Of LGBT People (%)
78
Discrimination
Forced
marriage
30 26
Exclusion
Harassment
from families
Lesbians
61
58
54
54
52 5450
50 48
47 46
44
39 37
Legal
challenges
Gay men*
Separation
from their
desired
partner
Bisexuals*
Forced
marriage
43
40
40
39
38 35
36
36
33
33
32 3033 31 3033
3028
27
25
Exclusion
from
workplaces
Exclusion
from schools
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q19. What kind of problems, if any, do you think LGBT people in
Cambodia face due to their sexuality (being a LGBT person)?
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467),
Exclusion
from public
places
Physical
violence by
straight
people
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base
size
According to the FGDs, “discrimination” manifested in verbal harassment (i.e. call them “ah/me
Khteuy”) appears to be most troublesome issue for LGBT, followed by family affairs. LGBT people
feel that they are not seen as equals by everyone, and they typically feel that people look down on
them. This constant feeling makes LGBT people feel devalued because they think that the general
public perceives them as useless in society.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
63
31+ years old, Lesbian/Transgender, Phnom Penh
“We need to try harder to show everyone that we are as capable as men, both
physically and financially to prove to people that we are not useless. […]
Sometimes, we also feel disappointed and discouraged because of that
discrimination.”
The LGBT respondents in the FGDs also said that discrimination at the work place appears very
prominent across types of LGBT. Many explained that they were let go from work due to their
sexual orientation. This limits their job prospects and career trajectory, and also causes some
LGBT people to fall into poverty or black market work like prostitution (mainly transgender
women).
18-30 years old, GBTQ, Phnom Penh
“I think even if people like me who are highly educated will struggle finding
jobs. People say I am not natural, so they discriminate me. If we go to work at
an office wearing make-up, do you think they will allow us to work?”
In Cambodia, according to the FGD findings, verbal harassment is more common than physical
harassment. LGBT people suffer a lot from bullying by the general public, but they do not fight
back. Instead they keep it to themselves, sometimes internalizing it or blaming themselves/others
before trying to let it go. A few respondents mentioned that they have become depressed after
these types of experiences and even considered suicide as a solution. Also, transgender women
are more vulnerable to physical/sexual harassment and betrayal by men than their LGBT
counterparts. Very often, straight men make fun of them, and some even were sexually assaulted
for money.
18-30 years old, GBTQ, Kampong Cham
“Sometimes, I wanted to commit suicide because of family pressure and I also
don’t feel valued or respected by men. They said they just had sex with me to
get my money. It felt very lonely.”
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
64
According to Figure 50, everybody believes that the situation of LGBT people in Cambodia has
improved compared to 3-5 years ago (straight 67% and LGBT 79%). Within LGBT types, gay men
are less likely to believe this (64%) compared to their LGBT counterparts (at least 80%).
Figure 50: Situation of LGBT now compared to 3-5 years ago – Top & Bottom 2 boxes
and neutral (%)
Of Total Straight & Total LGBT (%)
Better
The Same Worse
67
Total Straight
Total LGBT People
17
8
79
16
13
Of Straight People (%)
The
Same
Better
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral group
74
Worse
13
62
13
19
18
60
15
25
Of LGBT People (%)
Biologically female
The
Same Worse
Better
82
7
11
Biologically male
9
77
14
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
Lesbians
Better
The
Same
80
8
64
Gay men*
Bisexuals*
12
23
13
5 8
87
Transgender women
80
8
Transgender men
82
7
SOURCE: Q20. How are these problems now compared to 3-5 years ago?
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral
Group (n=130), Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male
(n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women
(n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Worse
12
11
*Gay Men and Bisexuals
low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
65
Situation of LGBT People Now and in the Future
When looking to the future (Figure 51), there is overwhelming belief amongst the straight (88%)
and the LGBT (96%) respondents that things will continue to improve for Cambodian LGBT people
over the next 3-5 years. Gay men also share this optimism (94%). In seeking to understand this
positivity, straight and LGBT respondents were asked to list the factors that will bring about these
positive improvements in Figure 52 & Figure 53.
Figure 51: Situations faced by LGBT in next 3-5 years compared now – Top & Bottom 2
boxes and neutral (%)
Of Total Straight & Total LGBT (%)
The
Worse
Same
Better
Total Straight
88
Total LGBT People
8
96
4
2 2
Of Straight People (%)
The
Same
Better
Supporters
Opponents
83
Neutral group
2
5
93
Worse
10
7
9
2
89
Of LGBT People (%)
The
Same Worse
Better
Biologically female
Biologically male
97
2 1
96
3 1
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
The
Same
Better
Lesbians
Worse
3
97
Gay men*
94
3
Bisexuals*
95
2
3
Transgender women
98
1
1
98
1 1
Transgender men
SOURCE: Q21. In the next 3-5 years, how do you expect these problems to change
compared to now?
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group
(n=130), Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218);
Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121),
Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
3
*Gay Men and Bisexuals
low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
66
When asked why things are better now compared to 3-5 years ago (Figure 52), more than half of
straight respondents list the three biggest factors as: increased awareness of LGBT issues, more
openness amongst Khmer people, and more knowledgeable about LGBT issues. These top three
factors were similarly listed by more than three-quarter of LGBT respondents. Also, more lesbians,
bisexuals and transgender men in comparison to gay men and transgender women think that the
situation is better due to these top three reasons. The remaining six factors listed by straight and
LGBT people can be summarized as current move towards democracy in Cambodia, and increasing
communication possibilities and technology.
Figure 52: Top 9 reasons making the LGBT situation now better than 3-5 years ago (%)
Of Staight People (%)
63
60
67
68
Khmer people are more open
60
63
Khmer people are more aware of LGBT
issues
56
64
55
59
Khmer people are more knowledgeable
about LGBT
50
58
44
46
43
40
Cambodia is moving toward becoming a
more democratic country
38
34
Foreign influence
45
31
29
30
27
24
Access to more information via the
internet
28
27
31
Peer influence
21
25
24
29
Social media influence
19
24
24
26
Urban influence
15
Total
Supporters
Opponents
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Neutral group
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
67
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
95
86
73
Khmer people are more open
87
94
74
75
93
93
85
Khmer people are more aware
of LGBT issues
71
91
93
73
75
92
89
78
Khmer people are more
knowledgeable about LGBT
68
85
87
64
68
83
61
59
Cambodia is moving toward to
be a more democratic country
44
70
62
55
56
62
46
52
Access to more information via
the internet
59
55
49
53
50
53
49
50
Peer influence
56
47
43
51
47
55
48
49
55
48
50
50
Urban influence
49
50
51
49
47
46
43
47
Foreign influence
46
48
Social media influence
Biologically female
Bisexuals
61
42
43
32
41
Total
Gay men
Transgender
women
Transgender
men
43
42
Lesbians
43
Biologically male
SOURCE: Q26. Why do you think these problems are now better compared to
3-5 years ago?
Base: Total Straight (n=730), Supporters (n=454), Opponent (n=387), Neutral
Group (n=116), Total LGBT (n=380), Biologically Female (n=208), Biologically
Male (n=167); Lesbians (n=82), Gay Men (n=41), Bisexuals (n=53);
Transgender women (n=97), Transgender men (n=102)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base
size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
68
When interviewers asked a similar question to understand why people think things will improve
over the next 3-5 years (Figure 53), the factors listed remain the same as Figure 52 but with
greater percentage.
Figure 53: Top 9 reasons making LGBT situation improve in the next 3-5 years (%)
75 76 72 79
67
72
Of Straight People (%)
72
64
59
67
66
58
46 48 44 45
Khmer people
are more
open
89
94
83
Khmer
people
are more
aware
of LGBT
issues
86 91
80
Khmer
people
are more
knowledgeable
about LGBT
39 42 36 36
Foreign
influence
Access to
more
information
via the
internet
Total
35 35 35
28
Urban
influence
Supporters
33
38
29
34
Social media
influence
Opponents
33 31
38
27
Peer
influence
Neutral Group
Of LGBT People (%)
88
79
68
Khmer
people
are more
open
Cambodia
is moving
toward
becoming a
more
democratic
country
44 41 46 46
Khmer
Khmer
people
people
are more
are more
knowledgeable
aware of
about LGBT
LGBT issues
69 72 65
Cambodia
is moving
toward to
be a more
democratic
country
58 57 58
57 58 55
55 57 51
54 57 50
52 49 54
Foreign
influence
Access to
more
information
via the
internet
Urban
influence
Peer
influence
Social
media
influence
Total
Biologically female
Biologically male
Of Types of LGBT People (%)
95
95
83
91 92
81
93
83
89 89
76
75
86
81
Khmer
people
are more
open
Khmer
Khmer
people
people
are more
are more
knowledgeable
aware of
about LGBT
LGBT issues
Lesbians
79
73
63
58
63
70
Cambodia
is moving
toward to
be a more
democratic
country
Gay men*
6262
67
56
50
Foreign
influence
Bisexuals*
58 62
53 53
59 59
Access to
more
information
via the
internet
53574956
Urban
influence
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q27. Why do you think these problems will improve in 3-5 years?
Base: Total Straight (n=957), Supporters (n=454), Opponent (n=387), Neutral
Group (n=116), Total LGBT (n=462), Biologically Female (n=247), Biologically
Male (n=210); Lesbians (n=100), Gay Men (n=60), Bisexuals (n=58);
Transgender women (n=118), Transgender men (n=121)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
62
5357
62
47
52 48
Peer
influence
505250
Social
media
influence
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base
size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
69
Chapter 7: Same-sex Marriage
Although LGBT opponents’ opinions on homosexual people (e.g. reasons to be LGBT, trends of
LGBT problems) are quite similar to the supporters, the former’s view on same-sex marriage
drastically differs from the latter. While 66% of LGBT supporters support same-sex marriage, 71%
of opponents oppose same-sex marriage (Figure 54). Only 13% of the opponents and 27% of
neutral group support same-sex marriage. This is an issue which touches deep beliefs in people
and brings some contradictory responses. About half of neutral group have no opinion on samesex marriage. Expectedly, almost all LGBT people support same-sex marriage. Compared to types
of LGBT, gay men gay men slightly more reserve (89%).
Figure 54: Level of support/oppose to same-sex marriage – Top & Bottom 2 boxes, and
neutral (%)
Oppose (%)
Total Straight People
Neutral (%)
42
Supporters
20
17
17
Opponents
71
16
Neutral Group
30
Total LGBT People
Biologically female
3
3
Support (%)
38
66
13
43
27
3
94
2
95
Biologically male
4
4
92
Lesbians
4
2
94
Gay men
6
5
89
Bisexuals
5
3
92
Transgender women
Transgender men
Cisgender
Transgender
2
2
3
2
96
3
94
3
92
3 3
SOURCE: Q28.One a 5 point scale, where 1 is strongly oppose and 5 is strongly
support, can you rate your level of support/opposition to same-sex marriage?
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467),
Neutral Group (n=130), Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255),
Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals
(n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
95
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base
size
Three quarters or more of LGBT supporters and LGBT people support same-sex marriage as they
believe that it is a human right (Figure 55). Additionally, 70% or more think it is the nature of
LGBT people. Nevertheless, among opponents that oppose same-sex marriage feels it is against
Khmer culture and tradition (75%), and against human nature (59%). Interestingly, the opponent
perception on “human nature” is inconsistent. It is also important to note that straight respondents
are worry that same-sex marriage would lead to an increase in LGBT people, 19% among LGBT
supporters, and a quarter or more among the opponents and neutral group. Finally, only very
small amount of LGBT respondents echo the worry that same-sex marriage would increase
numbers of LGBT people, against human nature or Khmer tradition.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
70
Findings from the FGDs among LGBT respondents also reveal that same-sex marriage would allow
LGBT people:
To be accepted and recognized as a couple like the general public without discrimination
To be able to protect themselves from family separation and other forced marriage with
the opposite sex
To be able to protect their finance and property
To be able to bond deeper with their partner, and to prevent their partner from marrying
another person while in relationship
Figure 55: Top 5 reasons for supporting/opposing same-sex marriage (%)
Of Straight People (%)
74
75
69
60
58
59
41
26
26
Human rights
It is their nature
20
Against Khmer
culture and tradition
Supporter
36
31
25
Opponents
19
Against human
nature
27
Worry that it would
increase the number
of LGBT
Neutral Group
Of LGBT People (%)
92
90
87
83
12
4
Human rights
It is their nature
Bilogical Female
Biological Male
6
5
4
Worry that it would
Against Khmer
increase the number culture and tradition
of LGBT
5
Against human
nature
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
91 89 93 90 91
85
77
89 83 90
5
Human rights
Lesbians
9
7
14
4
8
5
7
2
6
4
6
3
4
6
It is their nature
Gay men
Worry that it
Against Khmer
Against human
would increase the
culture and
nature
number of LGBT
tradition
Bisexuals
Transgender women
Transgender men
SOURCE: Q29. Why did you give that rating to same-sex marriage (Q28)?
Base: Total Straight (n=1085), Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467),
Neutral Group (n=130), Total LGBT (n=478), Biologically Female (n=255),
Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals
(n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base
size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
71
When asking straight people who are against same-sex marriage if they support other legal
recognitions,9 (Figure 56), the top response among LGBT supporters (67%), opponents (48%),
and there neutral group (62%) was: “the Ministry of Social Affairs should officially allow LGBT
persons to adopt children.” A follow up phone call interviews among 10 LGBT supporters and 10
opponents revealed that the support of child adoption among straight people is because there is no
pension for older people. Therefore, LGBT couples need children to look after them when they get
older. Since same-sex couples cannot produce children, they need to adopt children for that
reason, added straight respondents. Another motive that straight people support LGBT people to
adopt children is to help poverty alleviation and country development. Straight people believe that
some LGBT couples are wealthy, so they can raise orphans to be better educated and to lift the
children’s lives out of poverty and misery. It is heartening to see such a clear demonstration of
care and concern for both children and older people extended to the LGBT community even by
those who strongly oppose them.
In addition, slightly more LGBT supporters and the neutral group compared to opponents support
the following legal recognitions:
1. Add Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) specifically to the “other status”
provision stipulated in Cambodia’s constitutional references to non-discrimination.
2. Introduce an anti-discrimination law that refers explicitly to LGBT people in line with the
proposed amendment to the constitution.
3. The Ministry of Planning should ensure that LGBT people are not excluded from receiving
relevant cards (e.g. Family Book, ID Poor) because of discrimination or the non-recognition
of same-sex partnerships.
Figure 56: Legal recognitions being supported if not same-sex marriage (%)
Of Straight People (%)
67
62
48
42
35
[1]
39
[2]
Supporters
44
40
33
34
30
34
27
[3]
[4]
Opponents
Neutral Group
28
27
[5]
References to the X-Axis
[1] The Ministry of Social Affairs should officially allow LGBT persons to adopt children.
[2] Introduce an anti-discrimination law that refers explicitly to LGBT people in line with the proposed amendment
to the constitution.
[3] Add Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) specifically to the “other status” provision stipulated in
Cambodia’s constitutional references to non-discrimination.
[4] The Ministry of Planning should ensure that LGBT people are not excluded from receiving relevant cards (e.g.
Family Book, ID Poor) because of discrimination or the non-recognition of same-sex partnerships.
[5] The government should undertake a systematic review of the Village and Commune Safety Policy and how it
has been used to harass LGBT people on the pretext of controlling crime.
SOURCE: Q30. If not same-sex marriage, which, if any, of the following legal
recognitions do you support?
Base: Supporters (n=168), Opponent (n=407), Neutral Group (n=95)
*Base sizes for LGBT are too
small to chart.
9
Note that these legal recognitions are extracted from Being LGBT in Asia: Cambodia Country Report by UNDP and USAID
(2014), page 10-14
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
72
Chapter 8: Religion
The majority of straight and LGBT respondents practice Buddhism (Figure 57).
Figure 57: Distribution of people who practice Buddhism (%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
96
96
95
96
96
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral
Group
Biologically
female
Biologically
male
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral
Group
Biologically
female
Biologically
male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
96
97
95
97
95
Lesbians
Gay men*
Bisexuals*
Transgender
women
Transgender
men
Lesbians
Gay men*
Bisexuals*
Transgender
women
SOURCE: Q31. Do you practice Buddhism?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130),
Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103), Gay
Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender
men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Transgender
men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base
size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
73
Of straight and LGBT respondents that practice Buddhism, more than one-third do not know
whether Buddha mentions anything about LGBT (Figure 58). Between 9-13% of straight
respondents and 28-36% of LGBT respondents think that the Buddha does speak of
homosexuality. In fact, the Buddha neither mentions anything about sexuality, nor shows any
gender preferences, thus leaving the option open for individual choice.
Figure 58: If Buddha has mentioned anything about homosexuality (%)
Of Straight People who
practice Buddhism (%)
9
10
Of LBGT People who
practice Buddhism (%)
13
36
40
40
28
37
22
51
50
50
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral
Group
Don't Know
No
31
42
41
Biologically
female
Biologically
male
Yes
Of Type of LGBT People who practice Buddhism (%)
31
22
46
Lesbians
24
32
36
32
21
40
31
35
Gay men
24
43
45
Bisexuals
Transgender
women
Don't Know
No
SOURCE: Q32. Does Buddha mention anything about homosexuality?
Base: Supporters (n=469), Opponent (n=447), Neutral Group (n=124),
Biologically Female (n=244), Biologically Male (n=210); Lesbians (n=99), Gay
Men (n=62), Bisexuals (n=58); Transgender women (n=117), Transgender
men (n=118)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
36
Transgender
men
Yes
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base
size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
74
Of the small number of respondents who think that the Buddha talks about LGBT, approximately
three-quarters or more believe the Buddha is neutral towards LGBT people (Figure 59) while 16%
of opponents think the Buddha condemns LGBT people.
Figure 59: Perceived Buddha’s opinion on homosexuality (%)
Of Straight People who
practice Buddhism (%)
Of LGBT People who
practice Buddhism (%)
76
Buddha is neutral
about homosexuality
73
75
78
2
10
Buddha condemns
homosexuality
8
16
7
Buddha supports
homosexuality
24
9
10
Supporters*
Opponents*
Biologically female
Biologically male*
*Supporter, Opponent, and Biologically male low
base size
* Base sizes for Neutral Groupis too small to
chart.
SOURCE: Q33. What did Buddha say?
Base: Supporters (n=41), Opponent (n=44), Biologically Female
(n=88), Biologically Male (n=59), Transgender men (n=47)
In asking all respondents that practice Buddhism – “If the Buddha were alive today, what do you
think the Buddha would mention about homosexuality?” –, one-third of LGBT supporters, and 40%
or more of LGBT respondents think that Buddha would ‘let LGBT people be who they are’ (Figure
60). In contrast to the supporters’ and LGBT respondents’ view, 38% of opponents think that he
would reject homosexual people. Approximately 10% of LGBT respondents also think that the
Buddha would reject them.
Figure 60: Top 5 opinions that Buddha would mention about homosexuality if he were
alive (%)
Of Straight People who
practice Buddhism (%)
38
29
23
20
16
16
14
17
10
Reject them
Let them be
who they are
Supporters
17
17
10
It is their
Karma
11
It is their
nature
Opponents
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
12
13
Buddha is
neutral
19
14
9
Don't know
Neutral Group
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
75
Of LGBT People who
practice Buddhism (%)
44
38
26
20
18
15
12
Let them be who
they are
It is their
nature
Buddha is
neutral
13
Don't know
Biologically female
12
9
9
It is their
Karma
9
Reject them
Biologically male
Of Type of LGBT People who practice Buddhism (%)
49
43
35 37
38
27
29
25
23
24
18 17 17 16
16
7
Let them be who
they are
Lesbians
It is their
nature
Gay men
Buddha is
neutral
Bisexuals
15 12 12
Don't know
16
8
10
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
8
It is their
Karma
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q34. If Buddha were alive, what do you think Buddha would mention
about homosexuality?
Base: Supporters (n=469), Opponent (n=447), Neutral Group (n=124),
Biologically Female (n=244), Biologically Male (n=210); Lesbians (n=99), Gay
Men (n=62), Bisexuals (n=58), Transgender women (n=117), Transgender
men (n=118)
13
5
11
5 7
10
8
Reject them
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base
size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
76
Priorities for
Needs of LGBT Community
Chapter
9:
Supporting
the
It is important to understand the priority needs of LGBT people. In order to understand their
priorities, LGBT people and straight people were asked what they think the priority needs are. It is
also important to link these needs to the factors identified earlier in Figure 52 and Figure 53 as the
reasons improved/will improve LGBT people situation in the past 3-5 years or next 3-5 years
(openness to LGBT, awareness/visibility of LGBT, and knowledge/education about LGBT).
31+ years old, straight person, Phnom Penh
“For me, I personally don’t support LGBT. I provide my feedback on LGBT
support services based on the role play as if I’m the head of LBGTQ NGO, not
as myself.”
In the FGDs, most straight and LGBT respondents suggested a variety of services for homosexual
people such as physical and emotionally health, vocational training, shelter, anti-discrimination
laws, same-sex marriage, etc. We then incorporated their suggestions in a list of supporting
services in Figure 61. These services were also extracted from a recommendation section of Being
LGBT in Asia: Cambodia Country Report by UNDP and USAID (2014).10 See the full list in Appendix
3: Full Description of Priority Needs for LGBT Community.
Figure 61, Figure 62, and Figure 63 below outlines straight and LGBT respondents’ top 15
supporting services and their top 5 most supporting services for LGBT people. The findings reveal
that more LGBT people than straight people support all of the services.
Straight and LGBT respondents have two services in common when they were asked to select only
the top 5 most important services for LGBT people (Figure 61 & Figure 62). These two services
are:
1. Children adoption (38% among straight, 47% among LGBT)
2. Anti-hate crime law (35% among straight, 32% among LGBT)
The other top three most important services that respondents support are:
Straight respondents (Figure 61)
3. Education for parents (38%)
4. Elimination of classroom discrimination (31%)
5. Anti-bullying campaign in school (28%)
LGBT respondents (Figure 62)
3. Legalize same-sex marriage (38%)
4. Promote legal documents (33%)
5. Recruit LGBT people (32%)
Compared to other type of LGBT people (Figure 63), gay men are less likely to support child
adoption, same-sex marriage, legal documents, and LGBT people recruitment.
10
Note that these services are extracted from Being LGBT in Asia: Cambodia Country Report by UNDP and USAID (2014), page
10-14
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
77
Figure 61: Top 15 supporting services and top 5 most supporting services - Of Straight
People (%)
Top 15 supporting services (%)
Top 5 supporting services (%)
65
70
Educate parents
59
67
38
38
Educate parents
36
60
Allow child
adoption
54
62
59
63
57
56
52
49
55
54
52
58
46
48
51
53
48
54
50
56
45
52
50
52
46
51
45
48
42
45
44
48
38
50
44
54
Anti-hate crime
law
Eliminate
classroom
discrimination
Anti-bullying
campaign in
schools
Public eduation on
SOGI violence
Violence
intervention
Recruit LGBT
people
SOGI training to
health service
providers
Workplace policies
against
discrimination
Promote legal
documents
41
35
35
35
33
Anti-hate crime
law
37
32
31
Eliminate
classroom
discrimination
27
35
36
28
Anti-bullying
campaign in
schools
30
25
28
Total
Opponent
Supporter
Neutral Group
44
43
49
37
46
42
45
41
38
41
42
39
42
40
47
33
38
Counselling for
LGBT
Take remedial
action on LGBT
dropping out of
school
Add "Other
Status"to
constitution
Supporter
38
Allow child
adoption
33
Discussion on
family acceptance
Total
45
65
Opponent
Neutral Group
SOURCE: Q35. Which, if any, of the following services do you support?
Q36. Among services you just chose, what are the top 5 services you support?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
78
Figure 62: Top 15 supporting services and top 5 most supporting services - Of LGBT
People (%)
Top 15 supporting services (%)
Top 5 supporting services (%)
86
Allow child
adoption
Promote legal
documents
83
87
80
Recruit LGBT
people
83
89
78
Educate parents
82
87
77
Anti-hate crime law
Discussions on
family acceptance
78
83
73
Counselling for
LGBT
78
83
74
Regulation to
prohibit LGBT
media…
78
83
73
Workplace policies
against
discrimination
77
82
70
Violence
intervention
Public education on
SOGI violence
Total
Biologically female
38
Legalize same-sex
marriage
45
30
33
Promote legal
documents
36
32
82
86
78
81
83
81
Eliminate
classroom
discrimination
53
39
75
Increase LGBT
presence in media
A center to protect
LGBT
Allow child
adoption
82
89
Legalize same-sex
marriage
Anti-bullying
campaign in
schools
47
92
78
32
Anti-hate crime
law
31
34
32
Recuit LGBT
people
34
31
Total
Biologically female
Biologically male
76
80
72
76
84
67
75
79
72
74
77
71
74
80
67
Biologically male
SOURCE: Q35. Which, if any, of the following services do you support?
Q36. Among services you just chose, what are the top 5 services you support?
Base: Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
79
Figure 63: Top 15 supporting services and top 5 most supporting services - Of Type of
LGBT People (%)
Top 15 supporting services (%)
Top 5 supporting services (%)
69
78
71
Increase LGBT
presence in media
73
75
73
Anti-hate crime law
Discussions on
family acceptance
Counselling for
LGBT
Regulation to
prohibit LGBT
media
discrimination
Workplace policies
against
discrimination
Anti-bullying
campaign in
schools
A center to protect
LGBT
Eliminate
classroom
discrimination
Violence
intervention
Public education on
SOGI violence
Lesbians
Bisexuals
Transgender men
68
27
92
84
80
85
81
87
87
86
90
Educate parents
Legalize same-sex
marriage
56
95
76
Promote legal
documents
Recruit LGBT
people
89
77
Allow child
adoption
90
86
Allow child
adoption
51
45
48
41
25
Legalize same-sex
marriage
39
34
93
47
88
87
87
89
86
89
79
85
85
86
77
79
82
81
77
87
84
88
77
82
71
77
83
78
82
69
82
84
73
69
69
84
76
73
84
67
82
86
73
80
62
81
78
77
82
66
79
74
72
74
71
79
82
66
79
64
77
37
16
Promote legal
documents
33
41
34
31
31
Anti-hate crime law
34
33
33
30
22
Recruit LGBT
people
44
32
34
Lesbians
Gay men
Bisexuals
Transgender women
Transgender men
Gay men
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q35. Which, if any, of the following services do you support?
Q36. Among services you just chose, what are the top 5 services you support?
Base: Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
80
CONCLUSIONS
This section presents the conclusions based on the above findings in relation to the purposes of
this research, which were:
To define the terms for LGBT in the Khmer language,
To understand the attitudes of general society about LGBT people,
To seek LGBT people's perception of general society's attitudes toward themselves, and
To explore straight and LGBT people's expressed service needs from the LGBT aid and
support sector.
There are LGBT people in all sections of the Cambodian community in all places of work, in the
urban centers, semi urban areas and rural settings. They are not a homogenous group and have a
range of views and perceptions, some of which are gender based and others of which are not.
Terms for LGBT in the Khmer Language
Findings reveal up to 200 terms that are used across the provinces to describe LGBT people. Oddly
enough, there is no word for any of the LGBT orientations that the LGBT community likes to use.
When asked what they like to be called, 82% of LGBT people want to be “called by my name”.
Approximately 64% of biologically female LGBT prefer to be called “bong, pu, pa, ta (brother,
uncle, father, grandfather)”, and about half of transgender women (47%) would like to be called
“chae (sister)”. They do not wish to be referred to as LGBT, but wish to be shown respect in
conversations both with and about them.
“Khteuy” (70%), and “PD (English translation is not applicable) (49%)” are the terms that are
most commonly used amongst straight respondents to refer to LGBT people. While at least 29% of
straight people find “ah (male) Khteuy” and “me (female) Khteuy” insulting, 27% of straight
people find the terms comical. About half of LGBT respondents find these terms insulting too.
However, there are situations where these terms can be used endearingly such as when close
friends of LGBT people joke with them. Still, the terms are perceived to be offensive.
It is unlikely that any one term will ever suit all types of LGBT in the LGBT community since it is
not a homogenous group. Experiences in other countries have shown that in situations where
unacceptable terms have been present in common language, groups have tended to reclaim a
derogatory term and make it their own. Only time will tell if the Cambodian experience will
replicate this. If so, what words will be taken into use and supported by the LGBT communities of
Cambodia?
Attitudes toward LGBT People
Straight respondents were asked questions at the beginning to assess their status as supporter of,
opponent of, or neutral to the LGBT community. In the end, views of supporters and
opponents do not vary all that much. At times, it is difficult to see the difference from the
findings. Straight people might find it hard to articulate their ideas or levels of support given that
the LGBT issue is not a commonly discussed topic. However, when the issue was closer to home,
and they were asked to discuss areas that they are more familiar with such as marriage, culture
and traditions, Buddhism, romantic/sexual relationships; they could articulate their opinions
better.
Most straight people do not report feeling strongly negative about LGBT people, and state that
they would, or do, support LGBT people and think positive things about the LGBT community. At
the same time they appear to feel it is within their rights to pass judgment through their actions
(e.g., many think that being LGBT is abnormal enough that they would try to change an LGBT
person before accepting or supporting them). Some also feel that it is fine to reject LGBT people.
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Interestingly, LGBT does not appear to be an issue in straight people’s day-to-day life despite up
to 60% reporting knowing someone from the LGBT community. In general, straight people would
rather not bring up the topic as they feel that they already support it. However, when it comes
closer to home, their feelings are more clearly negative. If a close relative such as a child, a childin-law or a spouse came out to them, they report that they would feel sorry for them, ashamed of
them, wish their LGBT relative were straight, and feel angry and hopeless.
Approximately half or more of LGBT supporters (47%-78%) and the neutral group (50%-74%)
would try to change their LGBT relatives first, and if not successful, let them be. Also, a quarter or
more of supporters (24%-63%) and the neutral group (28%-50%) would try to understand them
and then accept them. These top two positive actions of LGBT supporters and the neutral group
are in sharp contrast to the opponents’ actions where a staggering 25%-43% report that they
would reject their child if they were not successful at changing them. One-fifth or more of
opponents (11%-23%) would force their children to date or marry the opposite sex, or separate
their children from their LGBT partner. A quarter would disown or stop talking to their LGBT
children in-law or spouse. The findings reflect that when it comes to their personal lives, LGBT
opponents would exhibit stronger negative actions to their LGBT family members than to LGBT
non-family members, whom they are more likely to try to understand, accept, and admire (their
courage), etc.
The findings that perceptions among supporters and opponents toward LGBT people are not so
different could be due to a general lack of knowledge, understanding and awareness of sexual
orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Also, the absence of clear terms to define the LGBT
community could contribute to the lack of clarity and consistency in some of the positions of those
claiming to be LGBT supporters and opponents.
Among straight people, predictably, more than three quarters of opponents (77%) think that it is
wrong for LGBT people to be in a romantic/sexual relationship. More concerning is that over a third
of supporters (38%) and more than three quarters of the neutral group (79%) do not find LGBT
romantic/sexual relationships acceptable. Within these figures, 21% of supporters and 56%
neutrals expressed neutrality preferring not to say whether romantic or sexual relations for LGBT
people were wrong or right.
Despite their disapproval of LGBT romantic/sexual relationships, straight people’s level of tolerance
is relatively high (though they do not act upon their disapproval). More than half of supporters,
opponents and the neutral group say that they:
Interact with LGBT people, but avoid the topic (61%-71%),
Try to change LGBT people first, if not successful let them be (56%-61%), or
Try to understand LGBT people, and then accept them (55%-62%).
LGBT people also confirm these as the top three reactions of straight people towards them.
Most straight and LGBT people think that people are homosexual by nature (89%-94%) and
secondly, by choice (75%-84%). Between 53%-56% of all respondents think that negative Karma
from a previous life explains LGBT people’s SOGI. In contrast to the belief that homosexuality is
somehow natural just half or less of straight and LGBT respondents think that LGBT people are not
normal (40%-50%). One-third or more of straight people also think that people are LGBT due to
foreign influence (34%), following other LGBT people (32%) or a difficult break up in a “straight”
relationship (30%).
While the view of LGBT supporters is almost equally split on the extent to which Khmer culture
and tradition supports or rejects LGBT people, the view of the opponents and the neutral group on
this issue is far different. The majority of the opponents (86%) and more than half of the neutral
group (56%) think that Khmer culture and tradition rejects LGBT people. Those who reject the
LGBT community themselves are more likely to feel Khmer culture and tradition also rejects LGBT
people. The view of biologically male LGBT on what extent Khmer culture and tradition supports or
rejects LGBT people is also almost equally split (support: 41% vs reject: 45%). On the other hand,
more biologically female LGBT (52%) than biological males (41%) find Khmer culture and tradition
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supports LGBT people. Compared to other LGBT types, gay men are least likely to feel that Khmer
culture and tradition supports them, and most likely (along with transgender women) to feel it
rejects LGBT people.
The majority of straight (79%) and LGBT respondents (83%) believe there is a difference between
how rural people and urban people react to the LGBT community, with both believing that
urban areas are more open to LGBT than rural areas (83%-94%). However, the random sampling
among straight people for this survey found the opposite. The finding shows that there are slightly
more LGBT supporters (63%) than opponents (58%) in rural areas.
Straight respondents (72%) are more likely than LGBT respondents (56%) to think that the lives
of Khmer LGBT people are tougher than straight people’s. Although a high rate of LGBT
respondents views the life of other LGBT people as tough (56%), lower percentages of them think
their own lives are tough (39%). It appears that LGBT respondents think their own life is easier
than the rest of the LGBT community.
The majority of both straight (86%) and LGBT respondents (82%) believe that the LGBT
community faces discrimination. LGBT respondents said that discrimination for being LGBT is
the most severe problem they encounter. Biologically female LGBT people face slightly higher
levels of discrimination (87%) and exclusion from families (69%) compared to biologically male
LGBT, 78% and 58%, respectively.
Most respondents, whether straight (67%) or LGBT (79%), think that the LGBT situation in
Cambodia is better than 3-5 years ago. Furthermore, respondents feel current LGBT problems
will continue to improve in the near future. Straight (88%) and LGBT people (96%) think that
problems for homosexuals will lessen over the next 3-5 years. The top three reasons for
this continuing improvement are seen as: a higher awareness of LGBT issues (75%-89%), more
openness by Khmer people (67%-86%), and greater knowledge about LGBT issues (64%-79%).
Almost all LGBT respondents (94%), and more than half of supporters (66%), are in favor of
same-sex marriage, viewing it as a human right (74-91%) and as LGBT people’s nature (6985%). However, 71% of the opponents oppose this and believe it is against Khmer culture (75%)
and against human nature (59%).
The majority of straight (96%) and LGBT people (96%) in the survey practice Buddhism. Of
respondents that practice Buddhism, between 9%-36% do not know whether Buddha mentions
anything about LGBT issues or people. Buddhist respondents are split on what The Buddha might
say today about homosexuality. Almost one-third of LGBT supporters (29%) and between 38%44% of LGBT respondents think that Buddha would ‘let LGBT people be who they are’. In contrast
to the supporters’ and LGBT respondents’ view, 38% of opponents think that he would reject
homosexual people.
LGBT People's Perceptions of General Society's Attitudes toward Them
In spontaneous responses to their own feelings about being LGBT, less than one-fifth of all
types of LGBT report feeling happy (15%) and hopeful (19%). Feelings of pride are 24%
among LGBT respondents, and feelings of shame range from 11% of transgender men to 36% of
gay men. The levels of self-acceptance are highest among transgender women compared to other
types of LGBT.
When prompting LGBT respondents, all levels of responses for both positive feelings and
negative feelings increase. While increases in feelings of self-acceptance (73%), hope (70%) and
pride (62%) paint a very positive picture, this has to be balanced with the increases in feelings of
shame (42%), self-pity (25%) and the 21% who wish they could be straight. In addition,
LGBT people (50%) and transgender men (59%) in particular, are even more likely than straight
people (40%) to state that an LGBT person is not normal/natural.
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Compared to the responses of the straight community to the perceptions of the LGBT community,
it seems that LGBT people tend to overestimate the support available to them from the
straight community. Although for all the positivity expressed by the LGBT respondents in terms
of the support and acceptance they receive from the straight community, they rarely came out to
anyone beyond a small select group of family and/or close friends. Sadly, 29% of LGBT
respondents never come out to anyone, presumably living in fear and shame, and sometimes
living double lives despite the challenges that may bring. Using the reported Cambodian birth rate
of 386,000 per year (UNICEF 2012)11 together with the generally assumed rate of LGBT within the
general population as being 10%, combined with a respondent rate of 29% not coming out, we
can ascertain that each year approximately 10,000 more people find themselves isolated,
distressed and possibly suffering depression and anxiety directly resulting from their
sexuality.
Less than 50% of respondents report that they have experienced significant emotional difficulties
directly related to their SOGI. These emotional difficulties are common indicators of depression
and anxiety and they include:
Sleep disruption (47%)
Eating disorders (27%)
Mood swings (36%)
Overwhelming negative thoughts (30%) and feeling hopeless and helpless (22%)
Reckless behaviors (25%) including more than average alcohol intake (24%), and
Limited ability to concentrate (37%) and enjoy life (19%).
The Cambodia Mental Health Survey Schunert, T. & Co. (2012), Royal University of Phnom PenhDept. of Psychology found that 27.4% of the Cambodian general population suffers from acute
anxiety. According to the respondents in this survey, acute anxiety indicators may be slightly
higher amongst the LGBT community (29.7% on average) than the general population. This could
contribute to social impacts associated with mental health issues, for the population as a whole.
Support Needs
In the FGDs, both straight and LGBT respondents suggested a variety of services for LGBT people
such as physical and emotional health support, vocational training, shelter, advocacy and
campaigning for anti-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage, etc.
In a prioritizing exercise in the quantitative survey about LGBT services, almost a third or more
of straight respondents selected anti-hate crime (35%), elimination of classroom
discrimination (31%), permission to adopt children (38%), anti-bullying campaign in
school (28%), and the education of parents (38%) as their top five priority actions.
The top fifteen priorities for services provision identified within the LGBT community are a
combination of legislative changes and direct support services. Similar to straight respondents,
LGBT respondents choose child adoption (47%) and anti-hate crime (32%) as their top
priorities. The other most important priorities that LGBT respondents support are same-sex
marriage (38%), promoting legal documents (33%), and recruitment of LGBT people
(32%).
There is much to do in order to support LGBT people to experience a better quality of life in
Cambodia. The next section offers specific ideas on how to do this. Nevertheless, everyone
working for equal respect and recognition for LGBT individuals and LGBT families need to hear this
loud call for legislative changes, which would immediately and dramatically improve their lives.
11
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/cambodia_statistics.html
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RECOMMENDATIONS
In considering the recommendation section, it is very important to remember that the LGBT
community is not a homogenous group. Therefore, within it, there are common needs and
priorities, as well as differing needs and priorities. Since the survey has established that LGBT
people live across the country, both in rural and urban centers; recommendations need to be read
and applied at a nationwide level. It is suggested that the most pragmatic way to best achieve
quality change in the lives of LGBT people is to work both nationally (striving for legal and policy
change) and locally (strengthening LGBT solidarity, resilience and peer support).
The findings suggest that recommendations need to fall under two headings:
1. Legislative and policy changes needed
2. Direct services needed
1.
Legislative and Policy Changes
Before deciding which laws and policies to focus on first, or whether a general anti-discrimination
or equality law is the best next step in achieving legislative change, a strategic question needs to
be considered. Will changes be achieved quicker if laws and policy changes are sought specifically
for LGBT people only? Or is it a better option to have a more comprehensive and inclusive pathway
to legislative change (through pursuing an anti-discrimination law for example), which includes
other marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities and people with disabilities? For various
political and economic reasons, a general anti-discrimination law may be a lot more difficult to
achieve than LGBT-specific legal and policy changes. This is the strategic quandary underpinning
any decision on how to best achieve the legal and policy changes needed in the Cambodian
context.
Adoption rights for LGBT couples: there is resounding support for this to happen and it
suggests that a campaign on this issue has a strong likelihood of succeeding. This is a very
positive and visible way to demonstrate the great contribution that LGBT couples make to
communities and societies if successful, and will achieve important openings towards other
legal rights (family books, marriage, etc.).
Family books for LGBT couples: there is an urgent need for a clear policy statement
from the relevant ministries on this issue (Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice) so that a
legal procedure can enable family books to be issued legally.
Changing ID and travel documents to one’s appropriate gender identity: there is
an urgent need for a clear legal procedure to be developed to enable transgender people to
have legal IDs reflecting their appropriate gender identity. This will greatly diminish
discrimination based on gender identity.
Same-sex marriage: findings suggest that there is a base of support upon which a
campaign could be built to achieve marriage rights for same-sex couples. It would require
large-scale public education on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), strong civil
society engagement and support, and broad-based political support.
Policies on non-discrimination towards LGBT: as an immediate next step on strongly
diminishing discrimination and empowering LGBT people to challenge discrimination, a
series of policy statements by specific ministries should be developed and issued. The
ministries include Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Ministry of Labor and Vocational
Training, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture and
Fine Arts, Ministry of Religions and Cults. Such policies would strengthen local authorities
and civil servants ability to support LGBT people in their community as well as give LGBT
people tools that they can apply in their own local specific context. Policies need to be
developed together with those working directly with the LGBT community and that
community needs to be kept fully informed of and equipped with any successful policy
change.
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2.
Direct Services Needed
This survey has clearly demonstrated that the general public hardly talks about the issues of LGBT,
and they actively avoid the topic. It has also indicated that many people are entirely unaware that
the common words they use to describe LGBT people are insulting to LGBT people. LGBT issues
and people need to be made much more visible, ordinary, normal and natural as part of everyday
life in Cambodia. Targeted training on SOGI and LGBT human rights along with public awareness
activities (TV series, radio discussions, films and music) will make a significant difference.
Significant investment in SOGI training and LGBT human rights needs to happen
in order to sensitize specific key public servants: local authorities, police, teachers,
healthcare professionals. They play a huge part in LGBT people’s daily lives and a quality
change can be achieved for LGBT people if these public servants learn that it is correct and
right to protect LGBT people when they face the risk of family violence (emotional or
physical), rejection, forced marriage, school bullying to mention just a few of the many
risks.
Buddhist monks and local pagodas also need to be trained so that they are better able
to spread more understanding of the Buddha’s acceptance of any sentiment being, which
includes LGBT people. Buddhism as a positive influencing factor in enabling the general
public and, most importantly, parents to change their opinion to accept LGBT people needs
to be harnessed and used to its fullness.
Public awareness campaigns targeting the general public through radio and TV need
to be prioritized, as greater understanding and knowledge have been identified in this
survey in making Khmer people more open. These also have been the critical factors in
making a better life for LGBT people for the last 3-5 years. Government-sanctioned
campaigns will help people to understand the legality and rightness of LGBT people to be
allowed to be who they are. TV series need to include positive LGBT characters, which can
help the public to learn, empathize and get insights into an LGBT person, and see how
alike all human beings are. TV shows can also help clarify the language around LGBT. UN
agencies (UNICEF, UNDP), BBC World Service Trust are well-placed to lead on such
initiatives in cooperation with LGBT organizations.
Schools and teachers need special attention and focus: SOGI and LGBT human
rights training needs to be made available to teachers. Age-appropriate books and
resources giving positive and clear information about LGBT people and who they are need
to be developed and used in schools. MOEYS will be a key ally in this work, so the
involvement of big agencies like UNICEF, UNESCO and UNDP will be needed.
Parents and families need special attention and focus: parents and families will find
more support locally if local authorities, monks, police, teachers have more understanding
and less judgment of LGBT people. Making the local village and commune more LGBTfriendly will help parents and family members to embrace their LGBT children and make
rejection less socially acceptable. Specific initiatives around SOGI training, information
provision (phone lines, leaflets, videos), and support groups will further enable parents to
accept and protect their LGBT children.
SOGI and LGBT human rights training for those operating ‘helplines’: existing
helplines for youth are strong allies in diminishing the isolation and potential mental health
impacts for young LGBT people.
Helpline staff need to be fully sensitized to LGBT and SOGI issues and
understanding.
Dedicated LGBT helpline by and for LGBT: a helpline staffed by LGBT people
needs to be made available to support LGBT people out of isolation, fear and
possible danger.
SOGI and LGBT rights training for health and mental health professionals: the
general health sector needs to be supported into greater understanding and inclusivity of
LGBT people in their services. This may attract more LGBT people to avail of health
services, which will help to discourage more LGBT people from engaging in risky behaviors.
Civil society organizations to be inclusive of LGBT people: NGOs are a wellrespected influential force for changing attitudes in Cambodia. It would be important for all
NGOs to be visibly supportive of LGBT people by developing non-discrimination policies
towards LGBT and as part of that to engage in SOGI and LGBT human rights training. This
initiative would help mainstream LGBT issues as part of general positive development work
happening in the country.
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Gender inequalities in education includes lesbians and transgender men: the
reality that being born female in Cambodia puts one at an educational disadvantage which
negatively impacts future social and economic prospects is borne out by this survey (both
groups have the lower levels of educational achievements compared to the other types of
LGBT). All NGOs and government ministries working to address the gender inequalities in
education need to address this marginalization experienced by lesbians and transgender
men as part of their mainstream work towards achieving gender equality in education.
Further Research
This baseline survey commissioned by Rainbow Community Kampuchea (RoCK) is the first ever
large-scale inquiry into public attitudes and behavior toward LGBT people, as well as the LGBT’s
own experiences of growing up and living life as LGBT in Cambodia. It has furnished all
stakeholders with clear evidence of significant patterns of discrimination (at the levels of family
and education, before the law and occupations) and many other serious problems faced by
Cambodia’s LGBT community. However, equally this survey has raised new questions, which
warrant further investigation.
Discrimination experienced by LGBT: a more detailed inquiry into the types,
experiences, circumstances/situations and impacts of discrimination is needed to guide
clearer or more concrete strategies to help eliminate discrimination where is it experienced
the most and with the worst effects;
School bullying: the scale and impact of homophobic bullying in school needs specific
research to make clear what kinds and levels of interventions are needed at this crucial
time in a young LGBT person’s life and in such an influential arena of a young person’s life;
Rural employment vulnerabilities of transgender women: the surprising finding that
most transgender women interviewed are employed in the fruit cultivation/plantations
sector warrants further research as it suggests a level of risk of various abuses
(exploitation, sexual violence, bullying and harassment), which need to be investigated;
Future repeat study to measure change: it will be worthwhile to repeat this survey
again in 3-5 years to measure any changes which may have occurred on any of the
attitudes and patterns identified as well as the scale of the response to the serious
problems experienced by Cambodian LGBT people which this survey has exposed.
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APPENDIX
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I.
Appendix 1: Defining Straight and LGBT in English
The following terms are extracted from Being LGBT in Asia: Cambodia Country Report by UNDP
and USAID (2014), page 69-70
Homosexual: someone emotionally and sexually attracted to a person of the same-sex or gender.
As a general term, homosexuals include both gay men and lesbians.
Lesbian: women who identify as gay. ‘Gay’ has largely been associated with men; so many
women prefer a separate term applied specifically to a woman’s sexual orientation.
Gay: used to describe both men and women whose emotional and sexual attraction is directed
towards people of the same-sex. The word ‘Gay’ is preferred to ‘homosexual’ as the latter term
can have negative connotations and linked to the time when homosexuality was considered to be a
sickness or a mental disorder. In recent years, the use of ‘Gay’ applies mostly to males as
women prefer to use ‘Lesbian’.
Bisexual: Someone emotionally and sexually attracted to men and women.
Transgender: It is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity and expression does not
conform to norms and expectations traditionally associated with their sex assigned at birth.
Transgender persons may self-identify as transgender, male, female, transwoman, transman,
transsexual, or other specific cultural identities, and may express their genders in a variety of
masculine, feminine, and/or androgynous ways. (Centre for Transgender Excellence, UCSF)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
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II.
Appendix 2: Defining LGBT in Khmer
Table 2: Findings of terms and definitions from FGDs
Terminology
Back Translation
Defined by Straight Community, and LGBTQ Community
in Khmer
People who love the same-sex or dress/behave the
Khteuy
(Not applicable)
opposite sex
Ah khteuy
(Not applicable)
Men who love men
Me khteuy
(Not applicable)
Women who love women
Phed ti bey
Third gender
Neither women nor men
People who love straight women, straight men, and
Sim Bey
Three sim cards
homosexual people
An
English
term
“Lesbian” that is Women who (not) appear/dress masculine who love other
Sbian
used to make as a women
Khmer word “sbian”
Tom
Shortcut of tomboy
Tomboy
Male
(used
with
Ah chhmol
Transgender men
animals only)
Chae
Sister
Transgender women
Khluon
Oneself
Transgender women
Chek
Banana
Gay men
Hok bram buon
69
Bisexual men
Terminology
Defined
by
Straight Defined
by
LGBTQ
Back Translation
in Khmer
Community
Community
Men who love men.
PD
(Not applicable)
Men who love men
Boys behave like girls
Gay men that have shorthair, dress like men, are in a
Laek = hide
Khteuy laek muk
relationship with women, (term not used)
Muk = Face
but have affairs with men
People who are unnatural or
Person(s)
who
not normal for behaving the
Neak khos chbab
is/are
against
(term not used)
opposite
of
their
thomacheat
nature
natural/biological sex
People who love both sexes
Men who display female Men who display female
behavior, but does not mean behavior, and are sexually
Sim Pi
Two sim cards
that
they
are
sexually attracted to men
attracted to men
(borrow
English Women who love women
Lesbian
Women who love women
term)
Men who love men
Brother,
Uncle,
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
(term not used)
Transgender men
Father, Grandfather
Ton phlon
Soft and feminine
(term not used)
Transgender women
Sak veng (srey
Long hair
(term not used)
Transgender women
sros)
Chakriya
Characteristic
(term not used)
Transgender women
Sak khley (bros
Short hair
(term not used)
Bisexual men
sa-at)
Reng peng
Firm
(term not used)
Gay men
Men who have sex with
MSM
(Not applicable)
(term not used)
men, but who are not gay
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Figure 64: Top 7 terms used for two women in a same-sex relationship – Spontaneous
(%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
60
55
66
Call by name
52
24
24
20
Srey srolanh srey
69
Call by name
62
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
31
30
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Khteuy
Lesbian
17
21
18
Sbian
6
Srey srolanh srey
16
5
Khteuy
12
6
9
4
PD
7
29
11
6
4
Me khteuy
13
29
16
7
12
Chae
Supporters
16
18
4
Chae
10
Opponents
Neutral Group
Biologically Female
Biologically Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
75
70
67
63
52
59
52
50
34
33
25
11
Call by name
15
32
31
28
18
15
8
7
8
6
9 11
16
6
Bong, Pu, Pa,
Lesbian
Sbian
Srey srolanh
Ta
srey
Lesbians
Gay men*
Bisexuals*
Transgender women
SOURCE: What would you call two women who are in a same-sex
relationship? (Q2 for straight people and Q1B for LGBT People)
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130);
Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians
(n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women
(n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
4
8 7
12
5
7 8 5
Khteuy
1
Chae
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals low base size
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91
Figure 65: Top 7 terms used for two women in a same-sex relationship – Nonspontaneous (%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
72
71
82
Call by name
73
44
46
38
Srey srolanh srey
76
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
43
31
33
34
Khteuy
84
Call by name
23
Lesbian
45
35
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
24
23
43
30
20
22
Chae
31
21
Chae
23
18
20
Me khteuy
22
Srey srolanh srey
20
22
15
PD
19
Sbian
14
Khteuy
16
8
Supporters
Opponents
Neutral Group
Biologically Female
Biologically Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
89
80 82
80
84
69
69
67
47
46
45
46
45
36
35
30
27
21
20
Call by name
Bong, Pu, Pa,
Ta
Lesbians
23
22
16
Lesbian
Gay men*
Bisexuals*
Sbian
29
27 26
20
Srey srolanh
srey
Transgender women
26 26
17
14
18 19
12 9
Chae
15
Khteuy
Transgender men
SOURCE: Q38. What would you call two women who are in a same-sex
relationship?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130);
Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians
(n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women
(n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
*Gay Men and Bisexuals – Low base size
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
92
Figure 66: Top 7 terms used for two men in a same-sex relationship - Spontaneous (%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
58
52
65
Call by name
58
26
33
26
Khteuy
60
Call by name
55
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
35
32
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Opponents
12
6
Chek
9
5
PD
7
Neutral Group
Biologically Female
Biologically Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
64
59 57 58
6
Bros srolanh bros
6
9
8
Dont know
64
17
10
10
6
Ah khteuy
3
Hok bram buon
14
13
13
PD
Supporters
18
19
22
17
Bros srolanh bros
14
Khteuy
16
19
57
56
46
38
31
24
18 20 18
11 13
2
Call by name
Bong, Pu, Pa,
Ta
Lesbians
Khteuy
Gay men*
14
13
5
7
12
7
6
0
Hok bram buon Bros srolanh
bros
Bisexuals*
Transgender women
SOURCE: What would you call two men who are in a same-sex
relationship? (Q3 for straight people and Q1C for LGBT)
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group
(n=130); Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218);
Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender
Women (n=121), Transgender Men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
6
11
9
3
7
9
4 5 5
Chek
5
PD
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals – Low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
93
Figure 67: Top 7 terms used for two men in a same-sex relationship – Non-spontaneous
(%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
71
67
Call by name
80
Call by name
76
82
42
47
44
Khteuy
67
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
50
38
44
35
Bros srolanh bros
27
Khteuy
26
33
35
28
PD
22
Bros srolanh bros
29
41
27
28
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
19
PD
21
22
24
15
Ah khteuy
9
Hok bram buon
32
16
19
22
Phed ti bey
Supporters
Opponents
16
Chae
21
Biologically Female
Neutral Group
Biologically Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
86
83
75 73 76
76
64
58
56
44
41
34
21 19
26
31
30
22
31
25
19
25 26
19
13
Call by name
Bong, Pu, Pa,
Ta
Lesbians
Khteuy
Gay men*
Bros srolanh
bros
Bisexuals*
10
PD
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
18
11
10
18
11
Hok bram buon
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q39. What other terms would you call two men who are in a
same-sex relationship?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130);
Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103),
Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women (n=121),
Transgender men (n=124)
25
20
17
15
Chae
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals – Low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
94
Figure 68: Top 7 terms used for women attracted to both sexes - Spontaneous (%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
55
49
Call by name
62
Call by name
53
67
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
24
15
15
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Dont know
17
22
14
Dont know
30
11
12
9
5
Chae
Phed ti bey
10
5
6
Sim Pi
Supporters
5
Khteuy
Neak srolanh
taeng pi phed
Sim Bey
7
14
15
16
12
Khteuy
50
4
7
4
6
7
5
4
2
Sbian
7
Opponents
Biologically Female
Neutral Group
Biologically Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
67
59
64
60
56
54
49
38
31
26
17
4
Call by name
Bong, Pu, Pa,
Ta
Lesbians
14
7
4
Dont know
Gay men*
13
10
8
6
5
Khteuy
Bisexuals*
4
6
9
8
3
3
Chae
Transgender women
SOURCE: What would you call women who are attracted to both
sexes? (Q4 for straight people and Q1D for LGBT People)
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group
(n=130); Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218);
Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender
Women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
3
3 5 5
2
Sim Pi
5 3
8
2
Sbian
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals – Low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
95
Figure 69: Top 7 terms used for women attracted to both sexes – Non-spontaneous (%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
70
67
Call by name
78
Call by name
71
84
31
23
21
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
16
PD
Sim Bey
Khteuy
15
19
12
Sim Pi
18
14
14
Phed ti bey
Opponents
13
Neak srolanh taeng
pi phed
20
16
19
Phed ti bey
17
Chae
23
19
12
Neak srolanh
taeng pi phed
Supporters
42
24
27
22
Khteuy
64
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
17
12
13
11
13
11
13
Neutral Group
Biologically Female
Biologically Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
82
75
79
74
73
66
62
53
45
37
26
13
9
Call by name
Bong, Pu, Pa,
Ta
Lesbians
18 19
18
17
Chae
Gay men*
13 13
12
17
11 9 10
Neak srolanh
taeng pi phed
Bisexuals*
13
Khteuy
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q40. What other terms would you call women who are attracted
to both sexes?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130);
Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians (n=103),
Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women (n=121),
Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
11
16 13
12 12
Sim Pi
11
13
8
17
10
Phed ti bey
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals – Low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
96
Figure 70: Top 7 terms used for men attracted to both sexes – Spontaneous (%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
55
48
Call by name
58
Call by name
54
69
30
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
PD
Phed ti bey
61 63
10
6
Khteuy
11
12
9
6
Neak srolanh
taeng pi phed
9
Dont know
18
19
12
Khteuy
Supporters
33
17
22
15
Dont know
53
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
16
15
2
Hok bram buon
11
7
8
8
Sim Pi
8
6
6
Neak srolanh taeng
pi phed
4
5
Opponents
Neutral Group
3
6
Biologically Female
Biologically Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
64
61
59
50 51
42
34
27
17
14
9
8 7
6
2
Call by name
Bong, Pu, Pa,
Ta
Lesbians
Dont know
Gay men*
16
10
6
5
1
Khteuy
Bisexuals*
5 3 6 3
Hok bram buon
Transgender women
SOURCE: Q5 What would you call men who are attracted to both sexes?
(Q5 for straight people and Q1E for LGBT)
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group (n=130);
Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218); Lesbians
(n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender Women
(n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
6
2
6
3 4
Sim Pi
8
3
2
4
Neak srolanh
taeng pi phed
Transgender men
*Gay Men and Bisexuals – Low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
97
Figure 71: Top 7 terms used for men attracted to both sexes – Non-spontaneous (%)
Of Straight People (%)
Of LGBT People (%)
69
66
Call by name
78
Call by name
77
83
39
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
26
25
43
29
28
25
Khteuy
20
Chae
Neak srolanh
taeng pi phed
21
20
11
Hok bram buon
Phed ti bey
17
19
17
Neak srolanh taeng
pi phed
Supporters
Opponents
14
16
5
26
17
12
15
Sim Bey
13
Khteuy
20
22
19
PD
68
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
13
14
11
Phed ti bey
16
Neutral Group
Biologically Female
Biologically Male
Of Type of LGBT People (%)
90
82 81
72 73
76
64
60
48
37
Call by name
Bong, Pu, Pa,
Ta
Lesbians
Bisexuals*
15
13
10
6
Khteuy
Gay men*
19
17
13 16
14 11 15
31
26
26
8
11
16 16
10 10 9
15
19
11
2
Chae
Hok bram buon Neak srolanh
taeng pi phed
Transgender men
SOURCE: Q41 What other terms would you call men who are
attracted to both sexes?
Base: Supporters (n=488), Opponent (n=467), Neutral Group
(n=130); Biologically Female (n=255), Biologically Male (n=218);
Lesbians (n=103), Gay Men (n=64), Bisexuals (n=61); Transgender
Women (n=121), Transgender men (n=124)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Phed ti bey
Transgender women
*Gay Men and bisexuals low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
98
Table 3: Feeling of supporters toward certain definitions of LGBT (%)
Common
(%)
Funny
(%)
Modern
(%)
Cool
(%)
Insulting
(%)
Call by name
98
2
3
1
1
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
96
6
5
5
0
Bros srolanh bros
78
21
3
1
9
Khteuy
78
29
7
2
11
Srey srolanh srey
77
23
4
2
10
Phed ti bey
76
26
13
5
9
Khluon
75
42
9
4
1
Sak veng (srey sros)*
71
27
10
10
2
Sbian
71
15
28
12
3
Lesbian
67
17
32
15
6
PD
67
36
13
6
12
Neak srolanh taeng pi phed
66
28
3
3
14
Sim Bey
61
31
20
9
12
Sim Pi
59
23
20
11
9
Chek
58
50
14
10
13
Me khteuy
55
29
3
1
38
Ah khteuy
53
34
4
2
34
SOURCE: Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
Base: Call by name (n= 425), Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta (n= 298), Bros srolanh bros
(n= 227), Khteuy (n= 365), Srey srolanh srey (n= 252), Phed ti bey (n= 233),
Khluon (n= 198), Hok bram buon (n=28), Sak veng (srey sros) (n= 41), Sbian
(n= 86), Lesbian (n= 100), PD (n= 287), Neak srolanh taeng pi phed (n=134),
Sim Bey (n= 157), Sim Pi (n= 158), Chek (n= 78), Me khteuy (n= 170), Ah
Khteuy (n= 205)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
*Sak veng (srey sros)* – Low base
size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
99
Table 4: Feeling of opponents toward certain terms of LGBT (%)
Common
(%)
Funny
(%)
Modern
(%)
Cool
(%)
Insulting
(%)
Call by name
99
2
1
1
0
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
98
7
4
2
0
Srey srolanh srey
83
17
3
1
7
Sbian*
81
10
20
7
7
Bros srolanh bros
80
19
2
1
7
Phed ti bey
79
28
10
4
9
Khteuy
77
29
6
1
11
Neak srolanh taeng pi phed
75
16
3
3
10
Khluon
74
36
11
5
1
Sak veng (srey sros)*
72
23
13
8
5
Sim Pi
70
26
12
6
10
Lesbian*
69
19
24
7
11
Sim Bey
68
26
11
6
11
PD
65
38
10
2
15
Ah khteuy
63
28
4
1
24
Me khteuy
61
25
7
2
26
Chek*
59
46
11
9
13
SOURCE: Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
Base: Call by name (n= 390), Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta (n= 208), Bros srolanh bros
(n= 237), Khteuy (n= 362), Srey srolanh srey (n= 247), Phed ti bey (n= 227),
Khluon (n= 152), Sak veng (srey sros) (n= 39), Sbian (n= 59), Lesbian (n=
54), PD (n= 292), Neak srolanh taeng pi phed (n=116), Sim Bey (n= 144),
Sim Pi (n= 155), Chek (n= 70), Me khteuy (n= 174), Ah Khteuy (n= 209)
*Sbian, Sak Veng (srey sross),
Lesbian, Chek – Low base size
* Hok bram buon – base is too
small to chart
Table 5: Feeling of neutral groups toward certain terms of LGBT (%)
Common
(%)
Funny
(%)
Modern
(%)
Cool
(%)
Insulting
(%)
100
5
2
1
1
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
97
12
8
0
0
Srey srolanh srey*
92
15
2
0
7
Bros srolanh bros*
88
16
8
0
10
Khteuy
84
26
7
0
14
Phed ti bey
84
27
14
4
11
Sbian
79
14
36
11
0
Sim Pi*
78
25
20
4
8
Khluon*
77
39
14
9
0
PD*
67
36
10
3
10
Sim Bey*
67
25
19
0
11
Ah khteuy
56
36
10
3
31
Call by name
SOURCE: Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
Base: Call by name (n=121), Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta (n=60), Bros srolanh
bros (n=51), Khteuy (n=91), Srey srolanh srey (n=60), Phed ti bey
(n=56), Khluon (n=44), PD (n=67), Sim Bey (n=36), Sim Pi (n=51),
Ah Khteuy (n=39)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
* Bros srolanh bros, Khloun, Phed ti bey, PD,
Sim Bey, Sim Pi, Srey srolanh srey – Low
base size
*Hok bram buon, Sak veng (srey sros),
Sbian, Lesbian, Neak srolanh taeng pi phed,
Chek, Me Khteuy – base is too small to chart
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
100
Table 6: Feeling of biologically female LGBT toward certain terms of LGBT (%)
Common
(%)
Funny
(%)
Modern
(%)
Cool
(%)
Insulting
(%)
Call by name
97
3
0
0
0
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
94
6
2
2
1
Srey srolanh srey
84
7
5
3
10
Bros srolanh bros
83
6
3
3
10
Khluon
80
19
5
7
3
Neak srolanh taeng pi phed*
79
7
5
5
7
Sbian
76
7
16
12
8
Sak veng (srey sros)
72
16
3
15
10
Lesbian
72
8
22
15
3
Sim Pi
66
20
11
9
14
Phed ti bey
62
17
8
4
17
Hok bram buon*
61
22
27
7
10
Sim Bey
57
23
12
5
19
PD
56
21
11
6
22
Chek*
53
37
8
6
6
Khteuy
51
16
5
3
35
Ah khteuy
43
20
2
2
47
Me khteuy
32
18
3
2
57
SOURCE: Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
Base: Call by name (n= 235), Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta (n= 229 ), Bros srolanh bros
(n= 77), Khteuy (n= 148), Srey srolanh srey (n= 134), Phed ti bey (n= 98),
Khluon (n= 100), Hok bram buon (n= 41), Sak veng (srey sros) (n= 86),
Sbian (n= 100), Lesbian (n= 96), PD (n= 114), Neak srolanh taeng pi phed
(n= 57), Sim Bey (n= 81), Sim Pi (n= 100), Chek (n= 51), Me khteuy (n=
148), Ah Khteuy (n= 108)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
* Neak Srolanh taeng pi phed, Hok
bram boun, Chek – Low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
101
Table 7: Feeling of biologically male LGBT toward certain terms of LGBT (%)
Common
(%)
Funny
(%)
Modern
(%)
Cool
(%)
Insulting
(%)
Call by name
99
4
4
1
1
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
90
6
4
3
3
Bros srolanh bros
87
6
4
4
9
Srey srolanh srey
87
10
8
5
10
Neak srolanh taeng pi phed*
80
7
7
4
11
Khluon
74
30
14
12
4
Phed ti bey
74
15
5
5
18
Sim Pi
73
15
7
7
15
Sak veng (srey sros)*
72
18
16
14
0
Lesbian
70
15
29
13
9
Sbian
70
13
23
13
10
Sim Bey
68
15
11
8
17
PD
65
21
15
7
17
Khteuy
64
16
7
2
37
Hok bram buon
63
13
22
13
10
Chek
61
30
11
8
14
Me khteuy
50
22
6
5
44
Ah khteuy
40
22
5
2
53
SOURCE: Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
Base: Call by name (n=215), Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta (n=156), Bros srolanh bros
(n=95), Khteuy (n=165), Srey srolanh srey (n=84), Phed ti bey (n=131),
Khluon (n=145), Hok bram buon (n=128), Sak veng (srey sros) (n=50),
Sbian (n=120), Lesbian (n=120), PD (n=131), Neak srolanh taeng pi phed
(n=55), Sim Bey (n=110), Sim Pi (n=131), Chek (n=106), Me khteuy
(n=82), Ah Khteuy (n=108)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
* Neak Srolanh taeng pi phed, Sak
veng (srey sros) – Low base size
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
102
Table 8: Feeling of lesbians toward certain terms of LGBT (%)
Common
(%)
Funny
(%)
Modern
(%)
Cool
(%)
Insulting
(%)
Call by name
97
4
1
1
0
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
92
9
1
2
0
Srey srolanh srey*
83
5
2
2
10
Khluon*
72
23
6
6
4
Sak veng (srey sros)*
72
26
5
18
3
PD*
63
25
15
5
5
Sim Pi*
63
35
10
15
3
Khteuy*
57
21
6
2
21
Phed ti bey*
53
29
8
5
8
Ah khteuy*
43
28
0
0
40
Me khteuy*
35
22
3
0
46
* All LGBT definitions except “call by
name” and “Bong,Pu,Pa,Ta” – Low base
size
* Bros srolanh bros, Hok bram buon,
Sbian, Lesbian, Neak srolanh taeng pi
phed, Sim Bey, Chek – base is too low
to chart
SOURCE: Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
Base: Call by name (n=103), Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta (n=93), Khteuy (n=47),
Srey srolanh srey (n=58), Phed ti bey (n=38), Khluon (n=47), Sak veng
(srey sros) (n=39), PD (n=40), Sim Pi (n=40), Me khteuy (n=37), Ah
Khteuy (n=40)
Table 9: Feeling of gay men toward certain terms of LGBT (%)
Common
(%)
Funny
(%)
Modern
(%)
Cool
(%)
Insulting
(%)
100
2
0
0
0
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta*
93
5
2
2
2
Lesbian*
83
9
20
9
6
Sim Pi*
78
8
3
6
19
Hok bram buon*
73
8
19
14
8
Phed ti bey*
70
19
0
5
22
Khluon*
68
25
20
13
10
Khteuy*
67
15
7
4
37
Chek*
65
22
5
5
22
Call by name*
SOURCE: Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
Base: Call by name (n=63), Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta (n=44), Khteuy (n=46),
Phed ti bey (n=37), Khluon (n=40), Hok bram buon (n=37), Sbian
(n=34), Lesbian (n=35), Sim Pi (n=36), Chek (n=37)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
* All LGBT definitions – Low base size
* Other definitions – base is too small to
chart
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
103
Table 10: Feeling of bisexual people toward certain terms of LGBT (%)
Call by name*
Common
(%)
Funny
(%)
Modern
(%)
Cool
(%)
Insulting
(%)
100
7
3
3
0
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta*
96
8
2
2
0
PD*
50
35
18
15
23
Khteuy*
48
29
5
2
33
SOURCE: Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
Base: Call by name (n=61), Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta (n=49), Khteuy (n=42), PD
(n=40)
*All LGBT definitions – Low base size
*Other definitions – base is too low to
chart
Table 11: Feeling of transgender women toward certain terms of LGBT (%)
Common
(%)
Funny
(%)
Modern
(%)
Cool
(%)
Insulting
(%)
Call by name
97
4
5
1
2
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
88
6
5
3
3
Srey srolanh srey*
84
14
8
2
12
Bros srolanh bros*
83
9
4
4
13
Khluon
81
25
9
11
2
Phed ti bey*
77
12
8
7
16
Sim Pi*
75
16
5
5
12
Sim Bey*
73
17
9
6
14
Sbian*
70
14
24
11
7
Lesbian*
68
15
31
15
9
PD
67
17
13
6
15
Khteuy
63
15
8
2
37
Chek*
62
32
13
9
9
Hok bram buon
60
14
21
14
9
Me khteuy*
58
14
4
6
44
Ah khteuy*
40
21
7
0
55
SOURCE: Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
Base: Call by name (n=119), Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta (n=86), Bros srolanh bros
(n=54), Khteuy (n=97), Srey srolanh srey (n=51), Phed ti bey (n=73),
Khluon (n=85), Hok bram buon (n=80), Sbian (n=71), Lesbian (n=68),
PD (n=78), Sim Bey (n=66), Sim Pi (n=73), Chek (n=53), Me khteuy
(n=50), Ah Khteuy (n=58)
* Srey srolanh srey, Bros srolanh bros,
Phed ti bey, Sim pi, Sim Bey, Sbian,
Lesbian, Khteuy, Chek, Me Khteuy, Ah
Khteuy– Low base size
* Sak veng (srey sros), Neak srolanh
taeng pi phed – base is too small to chart
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
104
Table 12: Feeling of transgender men toward certain terms of LGBT (%)
Common
(%)
Funny
(%)
Modern
(%)
Cool
(%)
Insulting
(%)
Call by name
97
2
0
0
1
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
95
4
4
2
2
Bros srolanh bros*
86
6
3
3
9
Khluon*
86
14
5
5
2
Srey srolanh srey*
82
7
10
5
12
Sbian*
78
3
12
10
8
Lesbian*
75
7
15
16
4
Sim Pi*
69
8
10
6
24
Phed ti bey*
66
8
8
2
26
Sim Bey*
59
15
8
3
28
PD*
57
12
7
3
33
Khteuy
51
9
4
2
44
Ah khteuy*
45
11
2
2
55
Me khteuy*
29
7
2
2
73
SOURCE: Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
Base: Call by name (n=122), Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta (n=113), Bros srolanh bros
(n=35), Khteuy (n=81), Srey srolanh srey (n=60), Phed ti bey (n=53),
Khluon (n=42), Sbian (n=60), Lesbian (n=55), PD (n=58), Sim Bey
(n=39), Sim Pi (n=51), Me khteuy (n=45), Ah Khteuy (n=56)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
*All LGBT definitions except “Call by
name, “Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta”, “Khteuy”–
Low base size
*Hok bram buon, Sak veng (srey sros),
Neak srolanh taeng pi phed, Chek –
base is too small to chart
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
105
III.
Appendix 3: Full Description of Priority Needs for
LGBT Community
Table 13: Full and shorten description of priority needs
No.
Detail description
Summarized/shorten
description
1
Parents should be educated and sensitized about the
problems and effects of discrimination against their LGBTQ
children.
Educate parents
2
Local authorities should not issue marriage certificates to
families who force their LGBTQ children to get married.
Don’t issue marriage
certificate for forced
married
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Local authorities should intervene when there is family
violence, both physical and mental toward their LGBTQ
children/relatives.
Local authorities promote social inclusion regarding legal
documents like ID cards, Family Books, travel documents, and
ID Poor since local village officials can cause challenges for
LGBTQ people, for example, when they do not reflect an
individual’s chosen gender.
Government introduces an anti-hate crime legislation and
anti-discrimination or violence, both physical and emotional law
that refers explicitly to LGBT people in line with the proposed
amendment to the constitution.
Government adds Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI)
specifically to the ‘other status’ provision stipulated in
Cambodia’s constitutional references to non-discrimination.
Government amends the Law on Marriage and Family to allow
for same-sex marriage
The Ministry of Social Affairs should officially allow LGBTQ
persons to adopt children.
Civil society provides public education about the effects of
SOGI-related violence perpetrated by families against their
LGBTQ members.
Civil
society
organizes
discussion
groups
on
family
acceptance, and plan projects similar to Parents, Families and
Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) in other countries in the
region, such as China and Vietnam.
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) should work
with UNESCO and CSOs to start a campaign against SOGIrelated bullying in schools, particularly at the secondary
school level and punish those who discriminate against or bully
LGBTQ persons.
MoEYS should take measures to eliminate discrimination
against LGBTQ students in classrooms.
Government and civil society should undertake a survey to
identify the extent to which LGBTQ youth are dropping out of
school and take remedial action to arrest this trend
The relevant ministries and legislative bodies should create
policies against discrimination in the workplace and reform
labor laws to include provisions to protect people from
discrimination based on SOGI.
NGOs and CSOs that work on LGBTQ issues should consider
recruiting LGBT persons when possible; build SOGI principles
into wider activities with employers and employee.
The Ministry of Health, LGBTQ NGOs and health service
providers (including those that work with HIV) should provide
information and training to service providers on LGBTQ
issues, SOGI and gender sensitivity.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Violence intervention
Promote
documents
legal
Anti-hate crime law
Add “Other Status” to
constitution
Legalize
marriage
same-sex
Allow child adoption
Public education
SOGI violence
Discussion on
acceptance
on
family
Anti-bullying campaign
in schools
Eliminate
classroom
discrimination
Take remedial action
on LGBT dropping out
of school
Workplace
policies
against discrimination
Recruit LGBT people
SOGI training to health
service providers
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
106
17
18
19
20
Counselling should be available for LGBTQ persons who have
psychological problems or mental health issues as well as for
family members of LGBT persons; those in psychological
professions need training and specific skills to offer appropriate
counselling services to LGBTQ persons.
The Ministry of Information should pass regulations to protect
LGBTQ people from discrimination and stereotyping in the
media
LGBT people should be more involved in media activities to
share their lives, and success stories. Successful LGBTQ people
should be featured so that society is able to gain positive views
about LGBT persons
A center that protects them from being disowned (by family)
or arrested by the local authorities just because they are LGBTQ
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Counselling for LGBT
Regulation to prohibit
LGBT
media
discrimination
Increase
LGBT
presence in media
A center
LGBT
to
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
protect
107
IV.
Appendix 4: Questionnaires
LGBT Community Questionnaire
SCREENING QUESTIONS
Hello, my name is.......................from TNS Cambodia, a fully independent research company. We
are conducting study about the awareness and opinion toward LGTBQ in Cambodia and would
value your views. There are no right or wrong answers. We just are looking for your honest
opinion. The purpose of this research is to collect and analyze information for social research
purposes only. I would like to reassure you that your individual views and personal details are
completely confidential. I would be very grateful if you could spend about 60 minutes of your
valuable time with us. If the respondent says no, terminate interview.
S1.
Where are you currently living?
(SA)
Phnom Penh
Battambang
Siem Reap
Kampong Cham
Kandal
Kampot
Ratanak Kiri
S2.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Location
(SA)
Rural
Urban
Semi urban
S3.
1
2
3
How old are you? ____________________ (Record real age and then code below) (SA)
Less than 18 years old
18-24 years old
25-34 years old
35-44 years old
45-54 years old
55+ years old
S4.
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
Terminate
Continue
Do you work or volunteer for any institutions related to LGBTQ or MSM issues?
Yes
No
S6.
Continue
In the past 6 months, have you ever participated in any research surveys, panels, or group
discussions related to LGBTQ or MSM issues?
(SA)
Yes
No
S5.
Terminate
Biological Sex
Female
Male
Intersex
1
2
(SA)
Terminate
Continue
(SA)
1
2
3
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Continue
Terminate
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
108
S7.
What is your gender?
(SA)
Female
Male
Other, specify ………………………………………
S8.
Whom are you attracted to?
1
2
X
(SA)
Attracted to women
Attracted to men
Attracted to both women and men
Neither attracted to women nor men
Other, specify …………………………………………………………
1
2
3
4
X
Continue
Terminate
MAIN QUESTIONS
DEFINING LGBTQ
Q1A. What would you call people who are in a same-sex relationship? (SPONTANEOUS) (MA)
Q1B. What would you call two women who are in a same-sex relationship?
(SPONTANEOUS)
(MA)
Q1C. What would you call two men who are in a same-sex relationship? (SPONTANEOUS) (MA)
Q1D. What would you call women who are attracted to both sexes? (SPONTANEOUS) MA)
Q1E. What would you call men who are attracted to both sexes? (SPONTANEOUS) (MA)
Q1. What do straight people call you knowing that you are LGBTQ? (SPONTANEOUS) (MA)
Khteuy
Ah khteuy
Me khteuy
Phed ti bey
Sim Bey
Sbian
Tom
Ah chhmol
Chae
Khluon
Chek
Hok bram buon
PD
Khteuy laek muk
Neak khos chbab
thomacheat
Sim Pi
Lesbian
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Ton phlon
Sak veng (srey
sros)
Chakriya
Sak khley (bros
sa-at)
Reng peng
MSM
Neak srolanh
phed douch
Q1A
SPONTANEO
US (MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Q1B
SPONTANEO
US (MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Q1C
SPONTANEO
US (MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Q1D
SPONTANEO
US (MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Q1E
SPONTANEO
US (MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Q1
SPONTANEO
US (MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
15
15
15
15
15
16
17
18
19
16
17
18
19
16
17
18
19
16
17
18
19
16
17
18
19
16
17
18
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
21
21
21
21
21
21
22
22
22
22
22
22
23
24
23
24
23
24
23
24
23
24
23
24
25
25
25
25
25
25
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
109
khnea
Srey srolanh
srey
Bros srolanh
bros
Neak srolanh
taeng pi phed
Call by name
None
Don’t know
Other……..…………
26
26
26
26
26
26
27
27
27
27
27
27
28
28
28
28
28
28
29
777
888
X
29
777
888
X
29
777
888
X
29
777
888
X
29
777
888
X
29
777
888
X
PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES
Q2.
At what age did you know that you were LGBTQ? ______________________ (RECORD AGE)
Q3.
Have you ever come out to anybody?
(SA)
Yes
No
1
2
Q3A. Whom did you first come out to?
Continue to Q3A
Skip to Q6
(SA)
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q3A INTO Q3B
Q3B. Who else have you come out to?
(MA)
Q3A
(SA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
X
Immediately family (e.g., mother, father, sister, brother)
Extended family (e.g., aunt, uncle, cousin)
Other LGBTQ people
Close friends
Distant friends
Ex-partner/lover
Current partner/lover
Colleagues
Neighbors
Acquaintances
Everyone I know
Other, specify …………………………………………………………………
Q4.
How long have you been out?
CODE IN
Q3B
1
2
3
Except 3
Q4
Immediate family
Extended family
LGBTQ people
Other straight
people
Q3B
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
X
Record real time (approximately)
Year(s)
Month(s)
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
110
Q5.
Why have you come out to certain people only (Q3B)?
(SHOWCARD)
Because I am afraid of …
Being judged
Hurting my family
Losing my family
Being discriminated against
Being bullied
Being raped
Being arrested
Being excluded (from workplace, school, family, etc.)
Being verbally harassed
Physical violence
Being separated from my desired partner
Feeling ashamed
I have come out to everyone
Other, specify …………………………………………………………………………………………
Q6.
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
X
In your experience, what do straight people in general think about you being a LGBTQ person?
When we say straight people, this includes people you’ve come out to, those you haven’t come
out to, acquaintances and even people you’ve had one interaction with. (SPONTANEOUS)
(MA)
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q6 INTO Q7
Q7. Do straight people in general think about you in any of the following ways? Feel free to add a
new answer choice (other, specify) if needed.
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Q7A. In which of the following ways do you think about yourself? Feel free to add a new answer
choice (other, specify) if needed.
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
LGBTQ couples are happy/sweet
I behave the opposite of my sex
I am normal
I am funny
I am friendly
I am confident
I am confused
Aside from my sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), I
am no different than straight people
Don’t understand my lifestyle, but fine with it
Support my lifestyle
Against my life style
I am born that way
I choose to be that way
I am against Khmer culture and tradition
I am less educated
I am a low income person
I am a thief
Something is wrong with my mind
In my relationship, I am more possessive than a straight person
My parents are disappointed to have me
LGBTQ people influenced me to be a LGBTQ person
It’s my nature
Other, specify …………………………………………………………………………
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Q6
SPONTANEOUS
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Q7
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Q7A
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
X
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
X
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
X
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
111
Q8.
Have straight people ever asked/sought to understand you why you are LGBTQ?
Yes
No
Q9.
1
2
(SA)
Continue to Q9
Skip to Q10
Which of the following have been reactions from straight people after knowing that you are
LGBTQ?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Try to understand me, then accept me
Accept me and support me
Admire me that I dare to be who I am
Try to change me first, if not successful, let me be
Try to change me, and if not successful, reject me
Stop talking to me
Physically abuse me
Arrest me
Separate me from my partner
Disown me
Force me to date or get married to the opposite sex
Punish me (e.g. lock me in a room)
Interact with me, but avoid the topic
Other, specify……………………………………………………………………………
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
X
Q10. If/when straight people want to know why you are LGBTQ, what do you say to them?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
It’s my nature
It’s a choice I make
I am not natural/normal
I followed other LGBTQ people and changed to be LGBTQ
I am less educated
I am poor
I ate chemical – laden food
Social media influence (e.g. posts on Facebook about same-sex)
Foreign influence
Difficult breakup with the opposite sex
Karma from previous life
Traumatic life event (e.g. rape, abuse, family issues, etc.)
Other, specify……………………………………………………………………………
Q11. How do you feel being a LGBTQ person?
(SPONTANEOUS)
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q11 INTO Q12
Q12. How do you feel being a LGBTQ person?
(SHOWCARD)
Shameful
Proud
Angry
Sorry for myself
Denial
Confused
Accept myself
Blame myself
Hopeful
Hopeless
I wish I could be straight
I lack confidence due to my sexuality
Other, specify………………………
Q11
SPONTANEOUS
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
X
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
X
(MA)
(MA)
Q12
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
X
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
112
Q13. Have you ever experienced any of the following due to your sexuality? (SHOWCARD) (MA)
Due to your sexuality…
Can’t sleep or sleep too much
Can’t concentrate
Feel hopeless and helpless
Can’t control negative thoughts, no matter how much I try
Lost my appetite or I can’t stop eating
Much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual
Consume more alcohol than normal
Engage in other reckless behavior
Have thoughts that life is not worth living
Feel less motivated to do the things I used to enjoy
None of the above
Other, specify ………………………………………………………………………
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
777
X
Q14. To what extent does Khmer culture and tradition support or reject LGBTQ people? Please rate
in a 5 point scale, where 1 is reject and 5 is support.
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Reject
Somewhat reject
Not sure
Somewhat support
Support
1
2
3
4
5
Q15. Do you think there is any difference in how rural people and urban people react to the LGBTQ
community?
(SA)
Yes
No
1
2
Continue to 16
Skip to Q17
Q16. If yes, how open/close are rural people vs. urban people toward LGBTQ community?
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Rural people are more open to the LGBTQ community than urban people
Urban people are more open to the LGBTQ community than rural people
1
2
Q17. Compared to straight people, how tough/easy are the lives of Khmer LGBTQ people in
Cambodia? Please rate in a 5 point scale, where 1 is extremely tough and 5 is extremely easy.
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Q17A Compared to straight people, how tough/easy is your life as a LGBTQ person in Cambodia?
Please rate in a 5 point scale, where 1 is extremely tough and 5 is extremely easy.
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Considerably tougher
Somewhat tougher
The same
Somewhat easer
Considerably easer
Q17
SHOWCARD
(SA)
1
2
3
4
5
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Q17A
SHOWCARD
(SA)
1
2
3
4
5
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
113
Q18. What kind of problems, if any, do you face being a LGBTQ person in Cambodia?
(SHOWCARD) (MA)
Q19. What kind of problems, if any, do you think LGBTQ people in Cambodia face?
(SHOWCARD) (MA)
Discrimination
Harassment by straight people in general
Physical violence by straight people in general
Rape by straight people in general
Harassment by police
Physical violence by police
Rape by police
Exclusion from families (reject/disown)
Exclusion from schools
Exclusion from workplaces
Exclusion from health facilities
Exclusion from public places
Arrest
Separation from their desired partner
Forced marriage
Attempted “cures” for being LGBTQ
Legal challenges (e.g. same-sex marriage not legalized)
None
Don’t know
Other, specify …………………………………………………………
Q18
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
777
888
X
Q19
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
777
888
X
Q20. How are these problems now compared to 3-5 years ago? Please rate in a 5 point scale, where
1 is extremely worse and 5 is extremely better.
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Q21. In the next 3-5 years, how do you expect these problems to change compared to now? Please
rate in a 5 point scale, where 1 is significantly worse and 5 is significantly better.
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Q20
SHOWCARD
(SA)
1
2
Q21
SHOWCARD
(SA)
1
2
Neither worse or better
3
3
Somewhat better
Significantly better
4
5
4
5
Significantly worse
Somewhat worse
Continue
Skip to Q24 or
Q25
Skip to Q26 or
Q27
ASK IF CODE 1-2 IN Q20
Q22. Why do you think these problems are now worse compared to 3-5 years ago?
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
114
ASK IF CODE 1-2 IN Q21
Q23. Why do you think these problems will be worse in 3-5 years?
ASK IF CODE 3 IN Q20
Q24. Why do you think these problems are now neither better nor worse compared to 3-5 years
ago?
ASK IF CODE 3 IN Q21
Q25. Why do you think these problems will be neither better nor worse in 3-5 years?
ASK IF CODE 4 OR 5 IN Q20
Q26. Why do you think these problems are now better compared to 3-5 years ago?
(SHOWCARD) (MA)
ASK IF CODE 4 OR 5 IN Q21
Q27. Why do you think these problems will improve in 3-5 years? (SHOWCARD)
Cambodia is moving toward to be a more democratic
country
Khmer people are more aware of LGBTQ issues
Khmer people are more knowledgeable about LGBTQ
Khmer people are more open
Foreign influence
Social media influence
Access to more information via the internet
Peer influence
Urban influence
Other, specify ………………………………………………………………………
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
(MA)
Q26
SHOWCARD
(MA)
Q27
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
X
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
X
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115
Q28. On a 5 point scale, where 1 is strongly oppose and 5 is strongly support, can you rate your
level of support/opposition to same-sex marriage?
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Completely oppose
Somewhat oppose
Neither opposed or support
Somewhat support
Completely support
1
2
3
4
5
Q29. Why did you give that rating to same-sex marriage (Q28)?
(SHOWCARD) (MA)
Human rights
Worry that it would increase the number of LGBTQ
It is their nature
Against human nature
Against Khmer culture and tradition
Other, specify ……………………………………………………………
1
2
3
4
5
X
ASK IF CODE 1, 2, OR 3 IN Q28
Q30. If not same-sex marriage, which, if any, of the following legal recognitions do you support?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Add Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) specifically to the “other status”
1
provision stipulated in Cambodia’s constitutional references to non-discrimination.
Introduce an anti-discrimination law that refers explicitly to LGBTQ people in line with the
2
proposed amendment to the constitution.
The Ministry of Social Affairs should officially allow LGBTQ persons to adopt children.
3
The Ministry of Planning should ensure that LGBTQ people are not excluded from receiving
relevant cards (e.g. Family Book, ID Poor) because of discrimination or the non-recognition of
4
same-sex partnerships.
The government should undertake a systematic review of the Village and Commune Safety
5
Policy and how it has been used to harass LGBT people on the pretext of controlling crime.
None
777
Other, specify ……………………………………………………………
X
Q31. Do you practice Buddhism?
(SA)
Yes
No
1
2
Continue
Skip to Q35
Q32. Does Buddha mention anything about homosexuality?
Yes
No
I don’t know
Q33. What did Buddha say?
(SA)
1
2
888
(SHOWCARD)
Buddha condemns homosexuality
Buddha supports homosexuality
Buddha is neutral about homosexuality
Other, specify ………………………………………………………
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Continue to Q33
Skip to Q34
(SA)
1
2
3
X
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
116
Q34. If Buddha were alive, what do you think Buddha would mention about homosexuality?
(RECORD ANSWER)
SERVICES PRIORITIZATION
Q35. Which, if any, of the following services do you support?
(DROPCARD) (MA)
ASK IF SELECT MORE THAN 5 CODES IN Q35
Q36. Among services you just chose, what are the top 5 services you support?
(DROPCARD)
(MAX 5)
Family rights
Local
authorities
Government
Q35
DROPCARD
(MA)
Q36
DROPCARD
(MAX 5)
1
1
2
2
Should intervene when there is family violence, both physical
and mental toward their LGBTQ children/relatives.
3
3
Promote social inclusion regarding legal documents like ID
cards, Family Books, travel documents, and ID Poor since local
village officials can cause challenges for LGBTQ people, for
example, when they do not reflect an individual’s chosen
gender.
4
4
Introduce an anti-hate crime legislation and anti-discrimination
or violence, both physical and emotional law that refers
explicitly to LGBT people in line with the proposed amendment
to the constitution.
5
5
Add Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI) specifically to
the ‘other status’ provision stipulated in Cambodia’s
constitutional references to non-discrimination.
6
6
Amend the Law on Marriage and Family to allow for same-sex
marriage
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10
11
11
12
12
Parents should be educated and sensitized about the problems
and effects of discrimination against their LGBTQ children.
Should not issue marriage certificates to families who force
their LGBTQ children to get married.
The Ministry of Social Affairs should officially allow LGBTQ
persons to adopt children.
Provide public education about the effects of SOGI-related
violence perpetrated by families against their LGBTQ members.
Civil society
Education &
schooling –
MoEYS
Organize discussion groups on family acceptance, and plan
projects similar to Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians
and Gays (PFLAG) in other countries in the region, such as
China and Vietnam.
Should work with UNESCO and CSOs to start a campaign
against SOGI-related bullying in schools, particularly at the
secondary school level and punish those who discriminate
against or bully LGBTQ persons.
Should take measures to eliminate discrimination against
LGBTQ students in classrooms.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
117
Employment
and work
Health
services
Media
Housing/
Center
Government and civil society should undertake a survey to
identify the extent to which LGBTQ youth are dropping out of
school and take remedial action to arrest this trend
13
13
The relevant ministries and legislative bodies should create
policies against discrimination in the workplace and reform
labor laws to include provisions to protect people from
discrimination based on SOGI.
14
14
15
15
16
16
Counselling should be available for LGBTQ persons who have
psychological problems or mental health issues as well as for
family members of LGBT persons; those in psychological
professions need training and specific skills to offer appropriate
counselling services to LGBTQ persons.
17
17
The Ministry of Information should pass regulations to protect
LGBTQ people from discrimination and stereotyping in the
media
18
18
LGBT people should be more involved in media activities to
share their lives, and success stories. Successful LGBTQ people
should be featured so that society is able to gain positive views
about LGBT persons
19
19
A center that protects them from being disowned (by family) or
arrested by the local authorities just because they are LGBTQ
20
20
NGOs and CSOs that work on LGBTQ issues should consider
recruiting LGBT persons when possible; build SOGI principles
into wider activities with employers and employee.
The Ministry of Health, LGBTQ NGOs and health service
providers (including those that work with HIV) should provide
information and training to service providers on LGBTQ issues,
SOGI and gender sensitivity.
DEFINING LGBTQ
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q1 INTO Q37
Q37. What other terms do straight people call you?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Q37A. What terms would you prefer to be called?
(MA)
(SHOWCARD)
Khteuy
Ah khteuy
Me khteuy
Phed ti bey
Sim Bey
Sbian
Tom
Ah chhmol
Chae
Khluon
Chek
Hok bram buon
PD
Khteuy laek muk
Neak khos chbab thomacheat
Sim Pi
Lesbian
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Q37
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Q37A
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
118
Ton phlon
Sak veng (srey sros)
Chakriya
Sak khley (bros sa-at)
Reng peng
MSM
Neak srolanh phed douch khnea
Srey srolanh srey
Bros srolanh bros
Neak srolanh taeng pi phed
Call by name
None
Don’t know
Other, specify ………………………………………………
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
777
888
X
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q1A INTO Q37B
Q37B. What would you call people who are in a same-sex relationship?
(SHOWCARD)
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q1B INTO Q38
Q38. What would you call two women who are in a same-sex relationship?
(MA)
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q1C INTO Q39
Q39. What would you call two men who are in a same-sex relationship?
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q1D INTO Q40
Q40. What would you call women who are attracted to both sexes?
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q1E INTO Q41
Q41. What would you call men who are attracted to both sexes?
Khteuy
Ah khteuy
Me khteuy
Phed ti bey
Sim Bey
Sbian
Tom
Ah chhmol
Chae
Khluon
Chek
Hok bram buon
PD
Khteuy laek muk
Neak khos chbab thomacheat
Sim Pi
Lesbian
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Ton phlon
Sak veng (srey sros)
Chakriya
Sak khley (bros sa-at)
Reng peng
MSM
Neak srolanh phed douch khnea
Srey srolanh srey
Bros srolanh bros
Q37B
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Q38
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
777
888
X
(SHOWCARD)
(SHOWCARD)
(SHOWCARD)
(SHOWCARD)
Q39
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
(MA)
(MA)
(MA)
(MA)
Q40
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
Q41
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
119
Neak srolanh taeng pi phed
Call by name
None
Don’t know
Other, specify …………
28
29
777
888
X
28
29
777
888
X
28
29
777
888
X
28
29
777
888
X
ASK ONLY CODES THAT A RESPONDENT CHOOSES IN Q37–41
Q42. How do you feel about the terms you use or being called? (SHOWCARD)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
X
Khteuy
Ah khteuy
Me khteuy
Phed ti bey
Sim Bey
Sbian
Tom
Ah chhmol
Chae
Khluon
Chek
Hok bram buon
PD
Khteuy laek muk
Neak khos chbab thomacheat
Sim Pi
Lesbian
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Ton phlon
Sak veng (srey sros)
Chakriya
Sak khley (bros sa-at)
Reng peng
MSM
Neak srolanh phed douch khnea
Srey srolanh srey
Bros srolanh bros
Neak srolanh taeng pi phed
Call by name
Other, specify …………………………….
28
29
777
888
X
(MA PER ROW)
Common
Funny
Modern
Cool
Insulting
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
X
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
X
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
X
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
X
Other,
specify
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
DEMOGRAPHICS
Q43. What is your current marital status?
(SA)
Married
Cohabitating
Divorced/Separated
Widowed
Single/Never Married/Never Cohabitated
Other, specify ……………………………………………………
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
1
2
3
4
5
X
Continue
Skip to Q43D
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
120
Q43A. If married or cohabitating, have you ever tried to get a family book?
Yes
No
Q43B. If yes, was it successful?
(SA)
1
2
Continue to 43B
Skip to Q43D
1
2
Continue to Q43C
Skip to Q43D
(SA)
Yes
No
Q43C. If it was, what status did you and your partner register as?
(SA)
Wife and husband
Wife and wife
Husband and husband
Sister and sister
Brother and brother
Sister and brother
Other, specify ………………………………………………………
1
2
3
4
5
6
X
Q43D. Have you ever tried to change an ID that reflects your gender identity?
Yes
No
1
2
Q43E. If yes, was it successful?
(SA)
Continue to Q43E
Skip to Q44
(SA)
Yes
No
1
2
Q44. What is the highest grade you completed in school?
No formal schooling
Primary school (K1-6)
Lower secondary (G7-G9)
Upper Secondary (G10-G12)
University (Undergraduate)
Post graduate
Technical/ Vocational
Other (specify) ___________________
(SA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
X
Q45. What is your current occupation(s)?
_____________________ (record)
Note: after noting the occupation, please classify the occupation in following categories. (SA)
White Collar coded 01-08
Senior management
Middle management
Lower management
Senior civil management
Middle civil management
Lower civil management
Clerk, secretary, salesperson, receptionist, company officer
Professional: Architect, Engineer, Dentist, Doctor, Accountant
Blue Collar coded 09-13
Garment worker
Construction worker
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
121
Farmer
Fisherman
Service industry (e.g. waiters)
Self Employed 14-15
Trade by themselves /seller (ex. vegetable or food seller)
Proprietor/Shop Owner/Trader
Others 16-19
Student
Housewife
Unemployed
Retired
Other, specify ……………………………………………………………………………
11
12
13
SKIP TO Q47
14
15
16
17
18
19
X
Q46. Approximately what is your monthly household income from all sources on the following
scale? Note: This includes all income be it pocket money/gifts/bonuses/allowances
that all people in your household receive combined.
(SA)
SEC F
SEC E
SEC D
SEC C
SEC B
SEC A
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
F1
F2
E1
E2
D1
D2
C1
C2
B1
B2
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
Less than 50 USD (<200,000 R)
50 to 100 USD (200,001-400,000R)
101 to 150 USD (400,001-600,000R)
151 to 200 USD (600,001-800,000R)
201 to 250 USD (800,001-1,000,000R)
251 to 300 USD (1,000,001-1,200,000R)
301 to 350 USD (1,200,001-1,400,000R)
351 to 400 USD (1,400,001-1,600,000R)
401 to 600 USD (1,600,001-2,400,000R)
601 to 800 USD (2,400,001-3,200,000R)
801 to 1,000 USD (3,200,001-4,000,000R)
1,001 to 1,200 USD (4,000,001 – 4,800,000R)
1,201 to 1,500 USD (4,800,001 – 6,000,000R)
1,501 to 2,000 USD (6,000,001 – 12,000,000R)
More than 2,000 USD (>12,000,000R)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
ASK IF CODE 11 OR 12 IN Q45
Q47. Approximately what is your yearly household income from all sources on following scale?
Note: This includes all income be it trading/pocket money/gifts/bonuses/allowances.
[INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent cannot answer by year, let them answer in any
increment (week, month, quarter, etc.) and then calculate it into one year income.
Income from
job(s)
in Riel
Amount
received in
trades/barter
in Riel
Remittance in
riels
Gifts
in riels
Other, specify
______________
THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
122
Straight Community Questionnaire
SCREENING QUESTIONS
Hello, my name is.......................from TNS Cambodia, a fully independent research company. We
are conducting study about the awareness and opinion toward LGTBQ in Cambodia and would
value your views. There are no right or wrong answers. We just are looking for your honest
opinion. The purpose of this research is to collect and analyze information for social research
purposes only. I would like to reassure you that your individual views and personal details are
completely confidential. I would be very grateful if you could spend about 60 minutes of your
valuable time with us. If the respondent says no, terminate interview.
S1.
Where are you currently living?
(SA)
Phnom Penh
Battambang
Siem Reap
Kampong Cham
Kandal
Kampot
Ratanak Kiri
S2.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Location
(SA)
Rural
Urban
Semi urban
S3.
1
2
3
How old are you? ____________________ (Record real age and then code below) (SA)
Less than 18 years old
18-24 years old
25-34 years old
35-44 years old
45-54 years old
55+ years old
S4.
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
Terminate
Continue
Do you work or volunteer for any institutions related to LGBTQ or MSM issues?
Yes
No
S6.
Continue
In the past 6 months, have you ever participated in any research surveys, panels, or group
discussions related to LGBTQ or MSM issues?
(SA)
Yes
No
S5.
Terminate
Biological Sex
Female
Male
Intersex
1
2
(SA)
Terminate
Continue
(SA)
1
2
3
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Continue
Terminate
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
123
S7.
What is your gender?
(SA)
Female
Male
Other, specify ………………………………………
S8.
Whom are you attracted to?
1
2
X
(SA)
Attracted to women
Attracted to men
Attracted to both women and men
Neither attracted to women nor men
Other, specify …………………………………………………………
1
2
3
4
X
Continue
Terminate
NOTE: AFTER CHECKING S6, S7, & S8 WITH LGBTQ CRITERIA 1& 2, AND IF A
RESPONDENT IS A LGBTQ PERSON, PLEASE SWITCH TO LGBTQ QUESTIONNAIRE.
Have you ever received any training (e.g. community workshop, discussions in class) about
LGBTQ/SOGI?
(SA)
S10. Have you ever heard or seen any information via media about LGBTQ?
(SA)
S9.
S9
1
2
Yes
No
S10
1
2
S11. To what degree do you support or reject LGBTQ people? Please rate in a 5 point scale, where 1
is completely reject and 5 is completely support.
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Completely reject
Somewhat reject
Not sure
Somewhat support
Completely support
1
2
3
4
5
MAIN QUESTIONS
DEFINING LGBTQ
Q1.
What would you call people who are in a same-sex relationship?
Q2.
What would you call two women who are in a same-sex relationship? (SPONTANEOUS)
(MA)
Q3.
What would you call two men who are in a same-sex relationship?
Q4.
What would you call women who are attracted to both sexes?
Q5.
What would you call men who are attracted to both sexes?
Khteuy
Ah khteuy
Me khteuy
Phed ti bey
Sim Bey
Q1
SPONTANEOUS
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
Q2
SPONTANEOUS
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
(SPONTANEOUS)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
(SPONTANEOUS) (MA)
(SPONTANEOUS) (MA)
(SPONTANEOUS)
Q3
SPONTANEOUS
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
(MA)
Q4
SPONTANEOUS
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
(MA)
Q5
SPONTANEOUS
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
124
Sbian
Tom
Ah chhmol
Chae
Khluon
Chek
Hok bram buon
PD
Khteuy laek muk
Neak khos chbab
thomacheat
Sim Pi
Lesbian
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Ton phlon
Sak veng (srey sros)
Chakriya
Sak khley (bros sa-at)
Reng peng
MSM
Neak srolanh phed
douch khnea
Srey srolanh srey
Bros srolanh bros
Neak srolanh taeng pi
phed
Call by name
None
Don’t know
Other, specify …………
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
15
15
15
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
25
25
25
25
26
27
26
27
26
27
26
27
26
27
28
28
28
28
28
29
777
888
X
29
777
888
X
29
777
888
X
29
777
888
X
29
777
888
X
PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES
Q6.
What comes to your mind when you hear “LGBTQ people”?
(SPONTANEOUS)
(MA)
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q6 INTO Q7
Q7. What other things come to your mind when you hear “LGBTQ people”? (SHOWCARD) (MA)
They are happy/sweet couples
They behave the opposite of their sex
They are normal
They are funny
They are friendly
They are confident
They are confused
Aside from their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), they
are no different than straight people
Don’t understand their lifestyle, but fine with it
Support their lifestyle
Against their lifestyle
They are born that way
They choose to be that way
They are against Khmer culture and tradition
They are less educated
They are low income people
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Q6
SPONTANEOUS
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Q7
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
125
They are thieves
Something is wrong with their mind
In their relationship, they are more possessive than a straight person
Their parents are disappointed to have them
Other LGBTQ people influenced them to be LGBTQ
It’s their nature
Other, specify …………………………………………………………………………………
Q8.
17
18
19
20
21
22
X
17
18
19
20
21
22
X
Have you ever sought to understand why people are attracted to the same-sex?
Yes
No
1
2
(SA)
Continue to Q8A
Skip to Q8B
Q8A. If yes, how did you seek to understand why people are attracted to the same-sex? (MA)
Ask LGBTQ people
Ask other straight people
Search on the internet
Read in a book
Read in a newspaper/magazine
Other, specify……………………………………………………………………………
1
2
3
4
5
X
Q8B. What do you think about the “romantic/sexual” relationships of LGBTQ people? Please rate
your thoughts on a 5 point scale, where 1 is always wrong and 5 is not wrong at all.
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Always wrong
Somewhat wrong
Neither wrong nor right
Somewhat acceptable
Completely acceptable
1
2
3
4
5
Q8C. Which, if any, of the following people do you think are acceptable? (SHOWCARD) (MA)
Q8D. Which, if any, of the following people do you think are not acceptable? (SHOWCARD) (MA)
Women
Women who have sex with women
Women who have sex with women and men
Women who change their sex organs to be male
Women who dress like men and have sex with women
Women who dress like men and have sex with men
Women who dress like men and have sex with women and men
Women who dress like men and have sex with women who dress like men
Men
Men who have sex with men
Men who have sex with men and women
Men who change their sex organs to be female
Men who dress like women and have sex with men
Men who dress like women and have sex with women
men who dress like women and have sex with women and men
Men who dress like women and have sex with men who dress like women
Women who dress like men and have sex with men who dress like women
Accept all
Reject all
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Q8C
SHOWCARD
(MA)
Q8D
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
17
126
Q8E. Do you know anyone who is LGBTQ?
(SA)
Yes
No
Q8F. What is your relationship to them?
1
2
Continue to Q8F
Skip to Q10
(SA)
Immediate family (e.g. mother, father, sister, brother)
Extended family (e.g. aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew)
Close friend
Friend
Colleague
Neighbor
Acquaintance
Other, specify……………………………………………………………………………
Q9.
What was/were your reaction(s) to them?
(SHOWCARD)
Try to understand them, then accept them
Accept them and support them
Admire them that they dare to be who they are
Try to change them first, if not successful, let them be
Try to change them, and if not successful, reject them
Stop talking to them
Physically abuse them
Arrest them
Separate them from their partner
Disown them
Force them to date or get married to the opposite sex
Punish them (e.g. lock them in a room)
Interact with them, but avoid the topic
Other, specify……………………………………………………………………………
Q10. What do you think are the reasons that people are LGBTQ?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
X
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
X
(SHOWCARD)
It’s their nature
It’s a choice they make
They are not natural/normal
They followed other LGBTQ people and changed to be LGBTQ
They are less educated
They are poor
They ate chemical – laden food
Social media influence (e.g. posts on Facebook about same-sex)
Foreign influence
Difficult breakup with the opposite sex
Karma from previous life
Traumatic life event (e.g. rape, abuse, family issues, etc.)
Other, specify……………………………………………………………………………
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
X
Q11. How would you feel if you had children who were LGBTQ?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Q12. How would you feel if you had children in-law who were LGBTQ?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Q13. How would you feel if you had a spouse who was LGBTQ?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
127
Shameful
Proud
Angry
Sorry for them
Denial
Confused
Accepting
Blame myself
Hopeful
Hopeless
Would wish they were straight
Other, specify………………………
Q11
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
X
Q12
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
X
Q13
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
X
Q13A. What would you do if you had a child who was LGBTQ?
(SHOWCARD) (MA)
Q13B. What would you do if you had a son-in-law or daughter-in-law who was LGBTQ?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Q13C. What would you do if you had a spouse who was LGBTQ?
(SHOWCARD) (MA)
Try to understand them, then accept them
Accept them and support them
Admire them that they dare to be who they are
Try to change them first, if not successful, let them be
Try to change them, if not successful, reject them
Stop talking to them
Physically abuse them
Arrest them
Separate them from their partner
Disown them
Force them to date or get married to the opposite sex
Punish them (e.g. lock them in a room)
Interact with them, but avoid the topic
Let my LGBTQ children decide what to do for themselves
Let my straight children decide what to do for themselves
Wouldn’t know what to do
Other, specify………………………………
Q13A
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
888
X
Q13B
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
888
X
Q13C
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
888
X
Q14. To what extent does Khmer culture and tradition support or reject LGBTQ people? Please rate
in a 5 point scale, where 1 is completely reject and 5 is completely support. (SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Completely reject
Somewhat reject
Not sure
Somewhat support
Completely support
1
2
3
4
5
Q15. Do you think there is any difference in how rural people and urban people react to the LGBTQ
community?
(SA)
Yes
No
1
2
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Continue to 16
Skip to Q17
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
128
Q16. If yes, how open/close are rural people vs. urban people toward LGBTQ community?
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Rural people are more open to the LGBTQ community than urban people
Urban people are more open to the LGBTQ community than rural people
1
2
Q17. Compared to straight people, how tough/easy do you feel the lives of Khmer LGBTQ people in
Cambodia are Please rate in a 5 point scale, where 1 is extremely tough and 5 is extremely
easy.
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Considerably tougher
Somewhat tougher
The same
Somewhat easer
Considerably easer
1
2
3
4
5
Q18. What kind of problems, if any, do you face in Cambodia due to your sexuality (being a straight
person)?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Q19. What kind of problems, if any, do you think LGBTQ people in Cambodia face due to their
sexuality (being a LGBTQ person)? (SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Due to sexuality, I or LGBTQ PEOPLE face…
Discrimination
Harassment by straight people in general
Physical violence by straight people in general
Rape by straight people in general
Harassment by police
Physical violence by police
Rape by police
Exclusion from families (reject/disown)
Exclusion from schools
Exclusion from workplaces
Exclusion from health facilities
Exclusion from public places
Arrest
Separation from their desired partner
Forced marriage
Attempted “cures” for being LGBTQ
Legal challenges (e.g. same-sex marriage not legalized)
None
Don’t know
Other, specify …………………………………………………………
Q18
SHOWCARD
(MA)
Q19
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
777
888
X
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
777
888
X
Q20. How are problems of LGBTQ now compared to 3-5 years ago? Please rate in a 5 point scale,
where 1 is extremely worse and 5 is extremely better.
(SHOWCARD) (SA)
Q21. In the next 3-5 years, how do you expect problems of LGBTQ to change compared to now?
Please rate in a 5 point scale, where 1 is significantly worse and 5 is significantly better.
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
129
Q20
SHOWCARD
(SA)
1
2
Q21
SHOWCARD
(SA)
1
2
Neither worse or better
3
3
Somewhat better
Significantly better
4
5
4
5
Significantly worse
Somewhat worse
Continue
Skip to Q24 or
Q25
Skip to Q26 or
Q27
ASK IF CODE 1-2 IN Q20
Q22. Why do you think problems of LGBTQ are now worse compared to 3-5 years ago?
(RECORD ANSWER)
ASK IF CODE 1-2 IN Q21
Q23. Why do you think problems of LGBTQ will be worse in 3-5 years?
(RECORD ANSWER)
ASK IF CODE 3 IN Q20
Q24. Why do you think problems of LGBTQ are now neither better nor worse compared to 3-5 years
ago?
(RECORD ANSWER)
ASK IF CODE 3 IN Q21
Q25. Why do you think problems of LGBTQ will be neither better nor worse in 3-5 years?
(RECORD ANSWER)
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
130
ASK IF CODE 4 OR 5 IN Q20
Q26. Why do you think problems of LGBTQ are now better compared to 3-5 years ago?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
ASK IF CODE 4 OR 5 IN Q21
Q27. Why do you think problems of LGBTQ will improve in 3-5 years? (SHOWCARD)
Cambodia is moving toward becoming a more democratic country
Khmer people are more aware of LGBTQ issues
Khmer people are more knowledgeable about LGBTQ
Khmer people are more open
Foreign influence
Social media influence
Access to more information via the internet
Peer influence
Urban influence
Other, specify ………………………………………………………………………
Q26
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
X
(MA)
Q27
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
X
Q28. On a 5 point scale, where 1 is strongly oppose and 5 is strongly support, can you rate your
level of support/opposition to same-sex marriage?
(SHOWCARD)
(SA)
Completely oppose
Somewhat oppose
Neither opposed or support
Somewhat support
Completely support
Q29. Why did you give that rating to same-sex marriage (Q28)?
Human rights
Worry that it would increase the number of LGBTQ
It is their nature
Against human nature
Against Khmer culture and tradition
Other, specify ……………………………………………………………
1
2
3
4
5
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
X
ASK IF CODE 1, 2, OR 3 IN Q28
Q30. If not same-sex marriage, which, if any, of the following legal recognitions do you support?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Add Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) specifically to the “other status”
provision stipulated in Cambodia’s constitutional references to non-discrimination.
Introduce an anti-discrimination law that refers explicitly to LGBTQ people in line with the
proposed amendment to the constitution.
The Ministry of Social Affairs should officially allow LGBTQ persons to adopt children.
The Ministry of Planning should ensure that LGBTQ people are not excluded from receiving
relevant cards (e.g. Family Book, ID Poor) because of discrimination or the non-recognition of
same-sex partnerships.
The government should undertake a systematic review of the Village and Commune Safety
Policy and how it has been used to harass LGBT people on the pretext of controlling crime.
None
Other, specify ……………………………………………………………
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
1
2
3
4
5
777
X
131
Q31. Do you practice Buddhism?
(SA)
Yes
No
1
2
Continue
Skip to Q35
Q32. Does Buddha mention anything about homosexuality?
Yes
No
I don’t know
Q33. What did Buddha say?
(SA)
1
2
888
(SHOWCARD)
Continue to Q33
Skip to Q34
(SA)
Buddha condemns homosexuality
Buddha supports homosexuality
Buddha is neutral about homosexuality
Other,
specify …………………………………………………………
1
2
3
X
Q34. If Buddha were alive, what do you think Buddha would mention about homosexuality?
(RECORD ANSWER)
SERVICES PRIORITIZATION
Q35. Which, if any, of the following services do you support?
(DROPCARD) (MA)
ASK IF SELECT MORE THAN 5 CODES IN Q35
Q36. Among services you just chose, what are the top 5 services you support? (DROPCARD)
(MAX 5)
Family rights
Local
authorities
Government
Q35
DROPCARD
(MA)
Q36
DROPCARD
(MAX 5)
1
1
2
2
Should intervene when there is family violence, both physical
and mental toward their LGBTQ children/relatives.
3
3
Promote social inclusion regarding legal documents like ID
cards, Family Books, travel documents, and ID Poor since local
village officials can cause challenges for LGBTQ people, for
example, when they do not reflect an individual’s chosen
gender.
4
4
Introduce an anti-hate crime legislation and anti-discrimination
or violence, both physical and emotional law that refers
explicitly to LGBT people in line with the proposed amendment
5
5
Parents should be educated and sensitized about the problems
and effects of discrimination against their LGBTQ children.
Should not issue marriage certificates to families who force
their LGBTQ children to get married.
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
132
to the constitution.
Add Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI) specifically to
the ‘other status’ provision stipulated in Cambodia’s
constitutional references to non-discrimination.
6
6
Amend the Law on Marriage and Family to allow for same-sex
marriage
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10
11
11
Should take measures to eliminate discrimination against
LGBTQ students in classrooms.
12
12
Government and civil society should undertake a survey to
identify the extent to which LGBTQ youth are dropping out of
school and take remedial action to arrest this trend
13
13
The relevant ministries and legislative bodies should create
policies against discrimination in the workplace and reform
labor laws to include provisions to protect people from
discrimination based on SOGI.
14
14
15
15
16
16
Counselling should be available for LGBTQ persons who have
psychological problems or mental health issues as well as for
family members of LGBT persons; those in psychological
professions need training and specific skills to offer appropriate
counselling services to LGBTQ persons.
17
17
The Ministry of Information should pass regulations to protect
LGBTQ people from discrimination and stereotyping in the
media
18
18
LGBT people should be more involved in media activities to
share their lives, and success stories. Successful LGBTQ people
should be featured so that society is able to gain positive views
about LGBT persons
19
19
A center that protects them from being disowned (by family) or
arrested by the local authorities just because they are LGBTQ
20
20
777
777
The Ministry of Social Affairs should officially allow LGBTQ
persons to adopt children.
Provide public education about the effects of SOGI-related
violence perpetrated by families against their LGBTQ members.
Civil society
Education &
schooling –
MoEYS
Employment
and work
Health
services
Media
Housing/
Center
Organize discussion groups on family acceptance, and plan
projects similar to Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians
and Gays (PFLAG) in other countries in the region, such as
China and Vietnam.
Should work with UNESCO and CSOs to start a campaign
against SOGI-related bullying in schools, particularly at the
secondary school level and punish those who discriminate
against or bully LGBTQ persons.
NGOs and CSOs that work on LGBTQ issues should consider
recruiting LGBT persons when possible; build SOGI principles
into wider activities with employers and employee.
The Ministry of Health, LGBTQ NGOs and health service
providers (including those that work with HIV) should provide
information and training to service providers on LGBTQ issues,
SOGI and gender sensitivity.
None
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
133
DEFINING LGBTQ
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q1 INTO Q37
Q37. What other terms would you call people who are in a same-sex relationship?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q2 INTO Q38
Q38. What other terms would you call two women who are in a same-sex relationship?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q3 INTO Q39
Q39. What other terms would you call two men who are in a same-sex relationship?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q4 INTO Q40
Q40. What other terms would you call women who are attracted to both sexes?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
PLEASE CODE RESPONDENT’S ANSWER IN Q5 INTO Q41
Q41. What other terms would you call men who are attracted to both sexes?
(SHOWCARD)
(MA)
Khteuy
Ah khteuy
Me khteuy
Phed ti bey
Sim Bey
Sbian
Tom
Ah chhmol
Chae
Khluon
Chek
Hok bram buon
PD
Khteuy laek muk
Neak khos chbab thomacheat
Sim Pi
Lesbian
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Ton phlon
Sak veng (srey sros)
Chakriya
Sak khley (bros sa-at)
Reng peng
MSM
Neak srolanh phed douch khnea
Srey srolanh srey
Bros srolanh bros
Neak srolanh taeng pi phed
Call by name
None
Don’t know
Other, specify …………
Q37
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
777
888
X
Q38
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
777
888
X
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
Q39
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
777
888
X
Q40
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
777
888
X
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
Q41
SHOWCARD
(MA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
777
888
X
134
ASK ONLY CODES THAT A RESPONDENT CHOOSES IN Q37–41
Q42. How do you feel about the terms you call them?
(SHOWCARD)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
X
Khteuy
Ah khteuy
Me khteuy
Phed ti bey
Sim Bey
Sbian
Tom
Ah chhmol
Chae
Khluon
Chek
Hok bram buon
PD
Khteuy laek muk
Neak khos chbab thomacheat
Sim Pi
Lesbian
Bong, Pu, Pa, Ta
Ton phlon
Sak veng (srey sros)
Chakriya
Sak khley (bros sa-at)
Reng peng
MSM
Neak srolanh phed douch khnea
Srey srolanh srey
Bros srolanh bros
Neak srolanh taeng pi phed
Call by name
Other, specify ……………………………
(MA PER ROW)
Common
Funny
Modern
Cool
Insulting
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
X
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
X
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
X
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
X
Other,
specify
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
………………
DEMOGRAPHICS
Q43. What is your current marital status?
(SA)
Married
Cohabitating
Divorced/Separated
Widowed
Single/Never Married/Never Cohabitated
Other, specify ……………………………………………………
1
2
3
4
5
X
Q44. What is the highest grade you completed in school?
No formal schooling
Primary school (K1-6)
Lower secondary (G7-G9)
Upper Secondary (G10-G12)
University (Undergraduate)
Post graduate
Technical/ Vocational
Other (specify) ___________________
Opinions, Attitudes and Behavior toward the LGBT Population in Cambodia
(SA)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
X
© TNS & RoCK December 2015
135
Q45. What is your current occupation(s)?
_____________________ (record)
Note: after noting the occupation, please classify the occupation in following categories. (SA)
White Collar coded 01-08
Senior management
Middle management
Lower management
Senior civil management
Middle civil management
Lower civil management
Clerk, secretary, salesperson, receptionist, company officer
Professional: Architect, Engineer, Dentist, Doctor, Accountant
Blue Collar coded 09-13
Garment worker
Construction worker
Farmer
Fisherman
Service industry (e.g. waiters)
Self Employed 14-15
Trade by themselves /seller (ex. vegetable or food seller)
Proprietor/Shop Owner/Trader
Others 16-19
Student
Housewife
Unemployed
Retired
Other, specify ……………………………………………………………………………
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
SKIP TO Q47
14
15
16
17
18
19
X
Q46. Approximately what is your monthly household income from all sources on the following
scale? Note: This includes all income be it pocket money/gifts/bonuses/allowances
that all people in your household receive combined.
(SA)
SEC F
SEC E
SEC D
SEC C
SEC B
SEC A
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
SEC
F1
F2
E1
E2
D1
D2
C1
C2
B1
B2
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
Less than 50 USD (<200,000 R)
50 to 100 USD (200,001-400,000R)
101 to 150 USD (400,001-600,000R)
151 to 200 USD (600,001-800,000R)
201 to 250 USD (800,001-1,000,000R)
251 to 300 USD (1,000,001-1,200,000R)
301 to 350 USD (1,200,001-1,400,000R)
351 to 400 USD (1,400,001-1,600,000R)
401 to 600 USD (1,600,001-2,400,000R)
601 to 800 USD (2,400,001-3,200,000R)
801 to 1,000 USD (3,200,001-4,000,000R)
1,001 to 1,200 USD (4,000,001 – 4,800,000R)
1,201 to 1,500 USD (4,800,001 – 6,000,000R)
1,501 to 2,000 USD (6,000,001 – 12,000,000R)
More than 2,000 USD (>12,000,000R)
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ASK IF CODE 11 OR 12 IN Q45
Q47. Approximately what is your yearly household income from all sources on following scale?
Note: This includes all income be it trading/pocket money/gifts/bonuses/allowances.
[INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent cannot answer by year, let them answer in any
increment (week, month, quarter, etc.) and then calculate it into one year income.
Income from
job(s)
in Riel
Amount
received in
trades/barter
in Riel
Remittance
in riels
Gifts
in riels
Other, specify
______________
THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!
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V. Appendix 5: TNS Cambodia Profile and Contacts
TNS is a worldwide leader in both market and political and social research, with offices in over 81
countries and a permanent staff capacity of over
15,000 full-time employees. TNS has the leading
TNS is the world leader in market and
political and social research unit in the world, with over
social research and has more than 15
500 dedicated social researchers in more than 40
years field experience in Cambodia. TNS
countries.
is the only international research agency
operating in Cambodia. It has local
TNS has been active in Cambodia since 1997 and
established a permanent presence in April 2012. TNS is
global expertise with quality orientation.
a full service research agency, with its own nation-wide
data-collection capacity. TNS Cambodia has 1 full client
service office in Phnom Penh, as well as 3 field centers
in Battambang, Siem Reap and Kampong Cham. The office has a dedicated political and social
research team, staffed by individuals with deep expertise in this area, and more than 15 years
combined experience working with development agencies (8 years in-country). All members of
the team have post-graduate qualifications in areas relevant to this line of research. TNS has
worked with a range of public sector bodies locally and globally including:
experience and knowledge and access to
TNS Cambodia is a member of ESOMAR and complies with their ethical guidelines including
objectivity, anonymity of respondents, data protection, and preservation of primary research
records.
TNS Cambodia also has a separate qualitative and quantitative division comprised of experts who
specifically conduct qualitative and quantitative research. TNS’s end-to-end services take clients
from planning and insight to action and evaluation. They include the world most comprehensive
and most consulted social surveys, cutting-edge behavior change strategies, a globally proven
program evaluation framework and real-time social media analytics that reflect the fast-moving
reality of digital reputation and opinion. TNS’s political polling operations are leaders in their field,
and the company’s unparalleled credentials in multi-country surveys make it the world’s premier
international research agency.
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TNS political and social expertise includes:
Behavior Change
TNS Political & Social’s Behavior Change Institute brings together senior researchers and leading
international academics, and focuses the latest thinking from behavioral economics and the
behavioral sciences on the key challenges for governments and NGOs. TNS has used such thinking
to build the TNS Behavior Change Framework, a pragmatic, robust and comprehensive approach to
the challenge of changing behavior and influencing outcomes.
Complex, Large, Social Surveys
TNS Political & Social is a global leader in designing, conducting and managing complex social
surveys. With expertise in face-to-face data collection, online, mobile and phone-based techniques,
TNS accesses even the most difficult-to reach groups and deliver robust and representative
sampling with rigorous quality control throughout.
Program Evaluation
From donor-sponsored programs in the developing world to government services in developed
economies, TNS Political & Social offers a proven program evaluation framework for measuring
effectiveness, impact and sustainability. TNS combines multiple sources of evidence, including
qualitative, quantitative, existing data sets and web-based input, to evaluate the effectiveness of
social programs in any environment. The company also offers specialist expertise in cost-benefit
and cost-effectiveness analysis, econometric modelling and impact assessment.
Qualitative Research
TNS believes that inspiring qualitative research makes the difference between standing still and
unlocking real issues. The company’s multi-method, behavior-focused approaches give tangible
direction to create change. TNS provides a deep and broad understanding of people as individuals,
in their multiple contexts and identities. Drawing from the latest thinking in behavioral economics,
cognitive psychology and cultural anthropology, TNS puts context at the heart of its qualitative
approaches.
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Political and Social Polling
TNS Political & Social leads the market in polling, consistently recognized as the most accurate and
reliable predictor of election outcomes across our political polling operations. TNS offers a proven
track record in measuring and analyzing public opinion, evaluating the potential of candidates and
parties, optimizing political positioning, managing reputation, and coordinating election nights.
For more information, please contact:
TNS Cambodia Contact:
Dany Vinh, Political & Social Research Manager at TNS Cambodia
Email: dany.vinh@tnsglobal.com
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