Football and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Cambodia
Football and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Cambodia
ISF Cambodia
Partner
Cambodia
Location
3 Years
Duration
Introduction
ISF Cambodia's innovative approach uses the beautiful game to kick out homophobia and foster inclusion.
Community details
ISF Cambodia is a grassroots sports organization working with young people in low socio-economic areas of Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh and rural provinces across the country. Many in these communities have limited access to healthcare and education and are affected by high rates of gender-based violence, addiction, and gambling. Young people often work from an early age to help support their families and experience trauma. LGBTQIA+ young people often encounter systemic discrimination and exclusion. ISF works directly with them to promote inclusion, visibility, and equitable opportunities. The organization works to foster open conversations around LGBTQIA+ topics, addressing systemic barriers and societal misconceptions. ISF works with diverse communities, including disabled and non-disabled people and people living with HIV, to create an inclusive world for everyone.
About the project
ISF’s program ‘Kick Out Hate’ provides education and resources to support participants and staff in leading change and tackling homophobia in their communities. To do so, ISF staff receive comprehensive LGBTQIA+ inclusion training and ongoing support from expert organizations to help them raise awareness and lead by example. ISF works with a local LGBTQIA+ partner, Beautiful Life Organization as well as an international partner, Play Proud, an LGBTQIA+ inclusion program from the Common Goal community as well as Liz Ward – international consultant for equity, diversity, and inclusion in sport. Collaboratively, they harness the power of football and develop an innovative curriculum challenging discrimination and promoting equality. The project aims to not only educate and empower its own staff and leaders to deliver more inclusive programs and services for the communities but also to create more inclusive facilities so they become educational hubs where informative posters highlight LGBTQIA+ issues and where sexual and reproductive health classes, and counselling can take place. To maximize the impact of “Kick Out Hate,” ISF engages participants’ parents and caregivers. The project also organizes a community football league and an annual festival to celebrate inclusion for young people with different abilities and genders.
United by Sport
The project supports youth and adults alike to challenge discrimination and foster inclusive attitudes within their communities. The initiative especially shows the importance of sharing capacity and building knowledge and awareness within an organization as a first step towards leading inclusive programs.
Requested grant amount
€326,426
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