Bunthay Cheam

Bunthay Cheam, 40's
​Seattle, WA
​he/him

Current Role: Storyteller

What racial, ethnic, cultural community or communities do you identify with?
1.5 generation Khmer American

When and how did your family come to the United States? Where were you born? 
Refugees. [We] arrived [in] 1981 to Seattle. Born in Khao I Dang.

What are the strengths and challenges of being Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander?
Strength: Culture
Challenge: Visibility.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My children.

What is one thing you learned or appreciate from your family growing up?
Instilling culture.

Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not?
At a very basic level. It's a way to hold on to [our] culture and communicate with my parents.

What advice do you have for the younger generations in our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community?
Ask questions, especially about what you've been taught by institutions.

What gives you the greatest joy in life?
Traveling.

Are there any projects you have created that you'd like to share and promote?
TnouT - A storytelling platform sharing all things diaspora.
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If you would like to share your voice as a person of color, please read the directions and fill out this form here. All ages, backgrounds, and generations welcome. Thank you!