Ladyboys Kathoey in Thailand

Ladyboys or Kathoey (กระเทย) are transgender women or effeminate gay men who are part of Thai culture and society. They are often referred to as the third gender in Thailand, and they have a long history of acceptance and visibility. Some of them undergo sex-reassignment surgery or hormone therapy, while others do not change their physical appearance. They may work in various fields, such as entertainment, beauty, sports, or sex work. They are not the same as drag queens, who perform as a form of expression, but rather live as kathoey for their entire lives

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Kathoey are influenced by various factors, such as Buddhism, Thai folklore, media, and globalization

Kathoey face some challenges and discrimination in Thai society, such as legal recognition, social stigma, and violence

Kathoey have also gained popularity and recognition in other countries, especially through tourism, media, and activism

How do Thai people view kathoey?

There is no definitive answer to how Thai people view kathoey, as different groups and individuals may have different opinions and attitudes. However, some general trends and patterns can be observed from various sources. According to the web search results, some possible points are:

Kathoey have a long history of acceptance and visibility in Thai culture and society, influenced by Buddhism, Thai folklore, media, and globalization

Kathoey are often seen as the third gender in Thailand, and many of them are attracted to heterosexual men. They may form romantic relationships with men, who also see them as women

Kathoey face some challenges and discrimination in Thai society, such as legal recognition, social stigma, and violence. They are not legally allowed to marry their partners, and they may encounter prejudice and harassment from some sectors of society

Kathoey have also gained popularity and recognition in other countries, especially through tourism, media, and activism. They may work in various fields, such as entertainment, beauty, sports, or sex work

These are some of the common views and experiences of kathoey in Thailand, but they may not reflect the diversity and complexity of their lives and identities. Kathoey are not a homogeneous group, and they may have different self-understandings, expressions, and aspirations. Therefore, it is important to respect and appreciate their individuality and dignity.

What is the origin of kathoey?

The origin of kathoey is not clear, but there are different theories and explanations. According to the web search results, some possible points are:

The term kathoey comes from a 19th-century interpretation of the Chbab Srey, a Cambodian text written around 1800. The text refers to “malicious” women being punished in the “four hells” and being reincarnated as kathoey

Kathoey have a long history of acceptance and visibility in Thai culture and society, influenced by Buddhism, Thai folklore, media, and globalization

Northern Thai legend suggests that the pre-modern Thai sex/gender system was based on a model of the three genders: male, female and kathoey

Kathoey may have biological or genetic factors that contribute to their gender identity, such as hormone levels, brain structure, or chromosomal variations

How do kathoeys express their gender identity?

Kathoeys express their gender identity in various ways, depending on their self-understanding, expression, and aspiration. According to the web search results, some possible points are:

Kathoeys may use different aspects of femininity, such as clothing, makeup, hairstyle, voice, and mannerisms, to present themselves as women or as a third gender

Kathoeys may undergo sex-reassignment surgery or hormone therapy to align their physical appearance with their gender identity, or they may not change their bodies at all

Kathoeys may use different pronouns to refer to themselves, such as chan (ฉัน), dichan (ดิฉัน), or phom (ผม), depending on their preference and context

Kathoeys may participate in various cultural and social activities, such as beauty pageants, cabaret shows, sports, or religious ceremonies, to express their gender identity and gain recognition

Respecting or honoring ladyboys in Thailand

Respecting or honoring ladyboys in Thailand is a matter of being courteous, compassionate, and open-minded. According to the web search results, some possible points are:

Ladyboys or kathoey are transgender women or effeminate gay men who are part of Thai culture and society. They are often referred to as the third gender in Thailand, and they have a long history of acceptance and visibility

Ladyboys may face some challenges and discrimination in Thai society, such as legal recognition, social stigma, and violence. They are not legally allowed to marry their partners, and they may encounter prejudice and harassment from some sectors of society

Ladyboys may have different self-understandings, expressions, and aspirations. They may use different aspects of femininity, such as clothing, makeup, hairstyle, voice, and mannerisms, to present themselves as women or as a third gender. They may also undergo sex-reassignment surgery or hormone therapy, or they may not change their bodies at all

Ladyboys may use different pronouns to refer to themselves, such as chan (ฉัน), dichan (ดิฉัน), or phom (ผม), depending on their preference and context . They may also participate in various cultural and social activities, such as beauty pageants, cabaret shows, sports, or religious ceremonies, to express their gender identity and gain recognition

To respect or honor ladyboys in Thailand, one should:

Use the pronouns and names that they prefer, and avoid using offensive terms such as “ladyboy” or “katoey” .

Recognize and appreciate their individuality and dignity, and avoid making assumptions or stereotypes about their gender identity, expression, or sexuality

Support their rights and well-being, and oppose any forms of discrimination or violence against them

Learn more about their history and culture, and celebrate their contributions and achievements

What is the difference between ladyboys and transgender women?

The difference between ladyboys and transgender women is not clear-cut, as different people may use these terms differently or prefer one over the other. However, according to the web search results, some possible points are:

Ladyboys is a term that is mostly used in Thailand and Southeast Asia to refer to transgender women or effeminate gay men who are part of the local culture and society. Transgender women is a more general term that can be used in any context to refer to people who were assigned male at birth but identify as women

Ladyboys is a term that is often associated with the sex industry or entertainment, and it may be considered offensive or derogatory by some people. Transgender women is a term that is more respectful and inclusive, and it does not imply any specific occupation or lifestyle

Ladyboys is a term that may not capture the diversity and complexity of the gender identity and expression of the people who use it or are labeled by it. Transgender women is a term that may allow more flexibility and individuality for the people who use it or are identified by it

Ladyboys Kathoey in Thailand