Hello, my name is Sabine Tourtellier. I am the Director of When Cats Fly, a creative company located in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

I am fundraising on behalf of 12 courageous Khmer youth who, through their recent promenade performance, openly shared their lived experience of belonging to the LGBTIQ+ community here.

After the first highly successful event in Siem Reap, it seemed important to bring their performance to the capital, Phnom Penh, to share these immersive stories with a wider audience. We will be presenting it during Pride week to give the youth an opportunity to participate in the meaningful LGBTIQ+ event there.

I am hoping to raise US$4000 to cover all expenses, rather than asking the young performers to contribute out of their own pockets.

About the performance:

This is more than just a show to watch. It is an experience to be shared. The audience is invited to walk beside each storyteller as they share their real stories of love, pain, identity, and resilience. Each story is a step - a step toward understanding, acceptance, and compassion.

Goals:

To raise awareness and understanding

Empower LGBTIQ+ individuals by giving them a platform to share their stories in a creative and supportive environment.

Raise awareness, particularly of mental health issues; create understanding and compassion; empower LGBTIQ+ individuals; and foster community and connection among LGBTIQ+ individuals.

This project was born from a desire to give voice to those who have faced rejection and to transform that pain into art, beauty, and their vulnerability into strength. Theatre allows us to connect in ways that words alone cannot.

A commitment to the Khmer art scene:

Beyond the financial aspect, this performance aims to support the development of contemporary theatre in Cambodia, after it's total eradication during the Khmer Rouge genocide. With my experience in the National Academy of Theatre in Rennes, I wish to make this production a laboratory for young talents.

The project includes a collaboration with the Acting Art Academy, created two years ago in Phnom Penh, to involve some of their students in dramatic arts. By supporting "Walk In Our Shoes," you participate in the professionalization of the cultural sector and in the promotion of a more inclusive society through artistic creation in Cambodia.

Photos © Natalie PREBENDE

Feedback:

Please read below, the reflections of the performers and you can find audience reviews from the first performance on When Cats Fly's Facebook page.

How your money will support the event:

Please Note: GoFundMe does not transfer money to Cambodian banks, but allows anyone to raise money on behalf of another. I have asked our Canadian patron, Karen Smith, to accept all donations. She is able to then transfer all funds from Canada to the When Cats Fly Cambodian account. Because her address details in Canada are used for this, the Go Fund Me location appears as Athol, Ontario, Canada. However, the event will be in Phnom Penh Cambodia.

Thank you for your consideration.

Any donation amount is very much appreciated.