Growing up in a small town (that was predominantly white) had its moments of isolation and disconnect, as I blindly navigated through finding my identity as a Cambodian-American and what that meant. Recently a good friend found and introduced me to this Cambodian Community Association of Maine. I look forward to learning and building a richer heritage that we can all be proud of sharing, with the rest of our Maine friends.

Over the past few years, my Cambodian community showed me that they didn't care as much about me remembering Khmer and the customs and traditions. What was most important to them was that I had come home. And on top of that, they could have cared less that I was gay!

I highlight these disparities to raise awareness about the need to assess where systematic barriers may exist and the need for culturally compentent and community based approaches to increasing health access and positive outcomes.

Chanbopha Himm was recently featured in Maine Women Magazine. She arrived in Maine the young bride in an arranged marriage and talks about how she adapted and evolved within tradition.

In this riveting and personal talk, San Pao walks us through memories of a life lived with PTSD, exploring the many ways trauma and its consequences can manifest and shape a person’s path over time.

As part of Colby College’s Maine Migrations, Past and Present project, Elder Pirun Sen gives a history of Cambodians in Southern Maine.