Joffrey and Panya, with their sons Reaksa and Khemara, Kep, Cambodia

photo by Kevin Truong

Joffrey, in his own words: “(Being gay means) being a Dad – being a Husband after all.

Having my family which is my husband and our 2 kids. It is my best achievement. I am so proud of who we are. Being a Dad, is a real job and I am loving it. We both take it seriously as we do not wish to fail. It is quite hard to describe the happiness of having a family through all those mixed emotions.

I remember having a job interview and being asked: “what is your best achievement in life?” and I answered naturally: “My family, my kids”…oh well I did not get the job by the way!

Today, we both work hard for them, to make sure that their present & future time is secure. But to be able to work hard – I do source myself into their energies. I get my strength to work hard & be a good employee through their joy & happiness. It is all connected in a way.

(With regards to coming out) I left my home country (France) when I was 19. So it was for me easy to be myself in the UK. Therefore – when I had my first long term relationship I emailed my mum and my older sister (The younger one knew it already) Not a nice way to tell them (not very brave of me to do so). I expected them to be upset. I guess I just did not know them very well – weird to say but realistic. I was wrong. It has never been for anyone living around me/us an issue.

(The community in Kep, Cambodia is) Very gay friendly.

(Advice I’d give my younger self) Be happy when other people are happy. Be yourself. Show to others your happiness of being who you are.”

9 thoughts on “Joffrey and Panya, with their sons Reaksa and Khemara, Kep, Cambodia”

Jem March 3, 2015 at 7:51 am

Such a beautiful family! Would love to hear the full story of your meeting and how your acquired the boys. I wonder too how long you have been together and whether you are married.

Joffrey March 3, 2015 at 10:19 pm

Jem – we have signed the French Civil Union back in 2010 and we will officially get married next May 2015 in Paris. We are all excited about it – will probably have our honeymoon with the kids at Disney Land – that is going to be funky !

We met in 2008 – I end up walking into Panya Electricy-shop…..I left with a lamp and his love.

Our kids joined us later – while you were celebrating Halloween, our monsters arrived that was on the 31st of October 2009. It was scary in a way as it just changed you and your life….but for the best!

All the best Jem.

Regards,

Joffrey
1. Jem March 4, 2015 at 9:09 am
  
  Joffrey
  Thank you for replying. How wonderful! Your story is as beautiful as the two of you and your children. I love how you left Panya’s shop with both a lamp and his love. Wow!
  The date of your marriage is fast approaching. Have a wonderful wedding in gay Paris. So very romantic!
  My very best wishes to both of you and to your children for a wonderful and long life together.
  Kind regards
  Jem.