Phnom Penh - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I believe so. - May 2024
Yes, Cambodia seems to be in general supportive of LGBTQi rights and I haven't heard of issues from LGBT friends. - Jul 2021
Cambodia is very tolerant in general. Khmer LGBT people may experience discrimination and often won't come out to their families, but violence is very uncommon. I think LGBT expats get by just fine. Some clubs in Phnom Penh have regular drag nights, there are a couple of gay/lesbian bars, and there is a burgeoning LGBT culture. - May 2017
Yes, Cambodians are very open and non-judgmental in my experience. - Oct 2016
Probably although the Royal Government hasn't followed the lead of the late King-Father to allow same-sex marriage or equal rights. It's a taboo subject in general but the population is Buddhist which are more tolerant and understanding than more Western-orientated dogmatic religions. - May 2015
Not sure. Probably better to maintain a low profile. - Feb 2015
I have not heard of any incidences. - Aug 2013
I've heard it's decent. Not the largest or liveliest scene, perhaps, but at least it's not hostile. - Jan 2012
Definitely not a bad place, however, compared to other cities in Southeast Asia, it will probably leave a lot to be desired. There is one main gay bar, and at least one other one more for locals that I heard about. People have to be careful though, as a lot of the guys at the gay bar are prostitutes. There is one club which is mixed after about 1am: Heart of Darkness. Many of the gay and bi guys go to Heart instead of the gay bar, it's not as conspicuous, and there are a lot of straight people (foreigners and locals) so it is easy to blend in. Unfortunately, Heart of Darkness is currently off-limits to U.S. Mission personnel. - Oct 2010
It is very liberal but not a huge community. - Feb 2008
