Rising up in Cambodia, Panha hardly ever noticed LGBTQI+ folks mirrored on this planet round her — not in tv, not in public conversations, and never in ways in which felt sincere.
“When LGBTQI+ folks had been represented, it usually didn’t really feel truthful to who we’re,” she stated.
That silence stayed together with her.
As we speak, Panha helps create the form of visibility she as soon as looked for. As co-founder of Sampi TV, a digital platform devoted to LGBTQI+ storytelling and advocacy, she is utilizing podcasts, documentaries and on-line instruments to open conversations many younger Cambodians nonetheless really feel afraid to have.
“I needed to be a part of the change,” she stated.
For Panha, storytelling is greater than content material creation. It’s about dignity, belonging and letting younger folks know they don’t seem to be alone.
“Storytelling is a really highly effective device,” she stated. “Social media shapes how folks perceive the world. I consider we are able to use storytelling to advocate for what is correct and assist younger folks whose voices will not be heard.”
A few of Sampi TV’s strongest tales are additionally its quietest. In a single documentary challenge, LGBTQI+ younger folks sat down with their dad and mom — many for the primary time — to talk overtly about id, worry and acceptance. The response on-line was overwhelming.
“Individuals stated they felt aid,” Panha recalled. “They felt hopeful that perhaps in the future their very own dad and mom may perceive them too.”
The platform additionally created an nameless Khmer-language chatbot the place younger folks can safely ask questions on relationships, HIV prevention and sexual well being — topics that stay deeply stigmatized in lots of communities.
“Some younger persons are too afraid to ask these questions publicly,” she stated. “They fear about judgement. They fear about being outed.”
What started as a small grassroots initiative shortly grew into one thing a lot greater. Their early episodes unfold quickly on-line, sparking debate, curiosity and dialog throughout social media.
Individuals lastly speaking
“Some folks favored it. Some folks didn’t,” Panha stated. “However folks had been lastly speaking.”
As we speak, Sampi TV works with youth teams, volunteers and civil society organizations throughout Southeast Asia, together with Laos and Myanmar, constructing areas the place LGBTQI+ younger folks can really feel seen, heard and supported.
In 2025, Panha was chosen as one of many Young Leaders for the SDGs, a United Nations initiative recognizing younger changemakers advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. However for her, the popularity is just not private.
“It’s concerning the neighborhood,” she stated. “The younger individuals who have massive goals, however whose voices are sometimes unheard. I hope I is usually a messenger for them.”
Over the following two years, Panha hopes to develop Sampi TV’s attain throughout the area whereas persevering with to advocate for inclusion, dignity and visibility.
“My aim,” she stated, “is to ensure storytelling and inclusion will not be simply phrases in speeches, however a part of on a regular basis life.”