AsiaLIFE

“M-Style is a programme that provides comfortable spaces for MSM [men who have sex with men], where they can access information, especially about sexual health,” explains Phal Sophat, executive director of Men’s Health Social Service, one of the organisations involved in M-Style. Membership at the six M-Style clubs is currently over 1,000, and rising.

 

Although project funding is based on improving sexual health in the target group, its impacts are much wider. Phal Sophat describes M-Style clubs as places for MSM to share their experiences and support each other. There are currently five clubs in Phnom Penh and one in Banteay Meanchey. “In addition, we have M-Style role models,” Sophat adds. “The purpose of these is to showcase people who are openly gay. Some MSM are scared, but they can look up to the role models and see how they have solved particular problems.”

 

Members of the clubs tend to be in the 19-to-25 age range. They include ladyboys, gays and bisexuals. Phal Sophat estimates there may be as many as 140,000 MSM in Cambodia, though many remain hidden. At the launch of M-Style last year FHI Associate Director Caroline Francis stated there were around 20,000 people who said they were MSM in the country, around 9,000 of them lived in Phnom Penh. Through M-Style, the organisers hope information and support about issues affecting MSM will reach a wider audience.

 

According to Sophat, one of the main issues MSM face in expressing their sexual identity is discrimination and resentment from the family and immediate community. “But I don’t think society discriminates against MSM, because there are no rules or laws that punish or condemn those who are MSM in Cambodia” he says. For many M-Style members, the clubs offer a non-judgemental space in which to hang out and meet new people. One member who wished to remain anonymous said he also came for his health, as he wanted support and advice before taking his first HIV test. “I’m here to share my experience with others, and to learn from their experiences,” another member said.

 

The clubs organise regular educational sessions, parties, and support group meetings. In the near future, M-Style will also go on the road, travelling to provincial towns around Cambodia to promote and widen the network. “The road show also aims to target discrimination and stigma, promote safer sexual behaviour as well as encourage increased health seeking behaviour among MSM,” says Helena Horal, a Programme Officer at FHI. The interactive website is a key part of the programme. It contains helpful advice and information on a variety of topics, including on coming out, having safe sex, cool bars and clubs, and the latest fashion. An important feature is the members-only chat room. Members can also create online profiles for further networking and send questions to M-Style experts on topics ranging from health through fashion to love and relationships.

 

“The website is especially good for reaching hidden MSM, who for one reason or another can’t come to the M-Style clubs,” says Phal Sophat. Hidden MSM in Cambodia include many married men, who are bisexual. Sophat admits that despite its valuable function, the website is only accessible to a minority of the target group that have internet access. Nevertheless, with over 18,900 hits so far, as well as a thriving online community, the website is clearly meeting a demand.