“Social Exclusion” refers to the social processes, institutions and mechanisms that can restrict
equitable access of individuals and groups to services, markets, public decision‐making,
community activities, and support.    This study is an exploration of the exclusion of Khmer
people from institutions (the family, school, workplace) and select social protection
mechanisms on the basis of their gender expression and sexual identity, and their ways of
coping.   It was carried out in urban Phnom Penh and in two rural villages.  Methods used were
a survey, FGDs and Key Informant interviews.  149 persons who self‐identified as Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) participated in the survey.    Data collection was done in the
months of July and August 2012.  
The study shows that LGBT persons experience high levels of stigma, discrimination and
exclusion in a variety of settings: the home, school, the workplace, health facilities and public
spaces.  This can range from being ignored, not being allowed to be “who I am” or to express
themselves, not being included or recognized in the community activities and processes, to
being insulted, attacked, and being subject to frequent episodes of both domestic as well as
gender‐based violence.
Social Exclusion on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation (SOGI) is complex and
may not be readily acknowledged by authorities. Other factors that can influence exclusion are
poverty, illiteracy, lack of awareness about social protection mechanisms and how these can be
accessed, some religious practices, cultural norms about males and females, husbands and
wives, and families, and type of occupation (such as sex work); however SOGI‐based exclusion
appears to be a major cross‐cutting feature that cannot be disregarded. Many LGBT are mobile
and even while living together with a partner in a stable relationship, they are not officially and
legally recognized as partners, a husband‐wife team, a couple, or as a family.
Discrimination, Exclusion and Stigma have major impacts on lives of people who are openly
LGBT; the traditional safety net—the family, becomes an oppressor so LGBT turn to friends
more often for support during critical shocks.   
Male to Female Transgender in appearance (and behavior) seem more likely to be
discriminated compared to lesbians and gays, and report higher rates of exclusion from
schooling, education, certain types of jobs, being subject to police harassment and arbitrary
arrest and detention and association with having HIV.    They are frequently pre‐judged as
“criminals”, “gang members”, “thieves” or “drug users”. LGBT can be included in community
social protection activities, but they have to be accepted within the village, and need to
demand for what is due to them. Some authorities are flexible and find ways to allow inclusion
(i.e. recording information on family books as “sisters”, “twins” for same‐sex partners who live
together).
The study makes recommendations for policy‐makers, program planners and project
implementation to consider Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as crosscutting factors that
can influence participation, delivery of social services, and access to education, work
opportunities and justice.    Awareness and Education activities on SOGI support for informal
groups and associations, as well as areas for further research are recommended