Ladyboy Phenomenon in Thailand and Male Transgendered Identities in East and Southeast Asia

[Course title]
international relations

P a g e | 1
The term ‘trans’ covers variety of gender identities along with gender expression
forms. The definition of the same and their level of usage may vary significantly across
different regions, culture and among trans people. ‘Ladyboy’ is one name extensively used
for ‘Kathoey’, which is a Thai term used very closely to transgender form, but can be
encapsulated with gay man also (Kvdburg, 2016). Individuals belonging to diversified gender
identities have rights to use the terms that can describe them best. However, in South-east and
east Asia, trans people have to face significant fences to access their human rights that
includes right to health also. This paper will identify ladyboy phenomenon in Thailand along
with other male transgendered identities present in east and south east Asian regions to make
distinctions between them (Claes, 2011).
According to Claes (2011, p. 183), the terminology related to Ladyboy phenomenon
can be unclear many times. The author puts a question regarding what are the differences
between trans-gender, transvestite and transsexual person. The individuals belonging to these
categories usually have to experience prolonged and intense discomfort for which they
usually undergo a process of gender transformation to express their gender identities. Trans-
sexual are the ones who have undergone surgical and medical treatments to change their
morphology. Transvestism, on the other hand can be associated with those who showcases
sexual orientation or cross-dresses only and not possess any biological transformations. Many
authors refer the term trans people for such kind of people (Byrne & Radix, 2010). However,
transgender is a broader term that may include temporarily changes made with appearance or
gender just like trans-sexual people (Byrne & Radix, 2010).

P a g e | 2
According to Claes (2011), “Kathoeys are biological man who have been born with
distinctly female hearts and minds.” (pp. 187). In Thailand, the kathoey’s are seen differently
than other countries due to their level of activities and special position given in Thai society,
including work environment (Adams, 2015). To pinpoint the exact origin behind the word
Kathoey, it can become difficult as the phenomenon behind it is nothing new in Thailand.
Although Kathoeys, also known as ladyboys lack some of the legal rights in Thailand, they
are given social relevance and human rights over there. Many anthropologists and researchers
have found different way of thoughts altogether regarding homosexuality in Thailand. Thai
people and government proved more tolerant and considered transgenders from religious
point of view (Kvdburg, 2016). In fact, the successful release of a strong movie named ‘The
Iron Ladies’ initiated production of many other gay films in Thailand thereby giving kathoeys
a special standby (Pongpanit, 2011).
Things are different in south east and east Asia. The social and legal prohibitions
faced by them reflects the compounding consequences of elimination from broader society,
family and cultural participations (Peletz, 2012). They are even barred from employment
opportunity thereby lacking passable recognition and well-established living condition.
‘Stigma sickness slope’ used by Byrne & Radix (2010, p. 2) describes how societal abuse,
discrimination and violence had pushed many transgenders into restrictions from society. The
situation even leads many trans people into risky affairs and reduction in their emotional well
being as well as physical stress. Study made by authors suggest that the economic, legal and
social marginalisation can result in worst health related outcomes as trans people have started
gaining lower sense of their self-worth and value. In Asian countries, minorities have to
experience constant stress including hostile environment due to which their behaviour,
appearance and activities remains dissimilar to other dominant communities (Adams, 2015).