This presentation examines the language use of an LGBTQ+ organization named “Pride Cambodia Organization” that revived a community event, which is the annual Pride event. The rebranded event "Pride Fest" has been held for two consecutive years since 2022 after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia. The focus of this study is on the organization's language and communication strategies, including promotional materials, public events, and overall visions and mission. This presentation also explores the local Cambodian concept and motivation for celebrating Pride, discussing the challenges and issues surrounding its inception and development. Ethnographic perspectives and data collection methods, such as fieldwork observations and interviews with NGO founder, are employed to illuminate on the dialogues and narratives shaped through Pride celebration. The (co)-founder's identity and their outlook on LGBTQ+, gender, sexuality, and gender identities are also examined. Preliminary findings indicate that the Pride event emphasizes diversity and inclusivity through unity by nature of sports and entertainment, and community gatherings, distinguishing it from other Pride events. The primary difference is that Pride highlighted the local values and traditions, giving space for co-existence through negotiation in all facets of life namely social, societal, cultural, and political aspects. In-depth interview with the (co)-founder provides a contextualized and metapragmatic insights into their intentions and motivations behind crucial decisions that have contributed to the success of the establishment. The findings also reveal the complex interplay between Western ideology and local Cambodian perspectives on LGBTQ+-related issues concerning language choices and the overarching ideology of inclusivity and uniqueness. 

Putsalun Chhim (Salun) is a queer Cambodian PhD candidate at the University of Hong Kong School of English. Salun’s research interests include sociolinguistics, gender, sexuality, identity among the LGBTQ+ community, and theories such as Southern praxis and decolonization of understanding of gender and sexuality in the Cambodian context.