To many, Thailand seems like an LGBT paradise. When visiting Bangkok, entire streets can be seen with Ladyboys out in the open, calling you in to see their drag show. It seems like they live and thrive openly.
But, the reality is that transgenders aren’t as accepted as it may seem when you visit the city.
Transgenderism is seen as early as the 14th century in Thai history records. Homosexuality or transgenders are referred to as “khatoeys”. This is believed to come from Theravada Buddhism, where four genders of male, female, hermaphrodite, and male-to-female transgender are recognized. It’s also believed to be more prevalent in Thailand due to their pronouns not differentiating between gender like in English.
In the early days of an absolute monarchy, homosexuality or transgenderism was treated with 50 lashes. However, when the absolute monarchy was abolished to a constitutional monarchy, visibility of homosexuality and an increase in the formation of gay communities occurred.
This coincided with the sensationalization of the gay community in the media. As a result of socioeconomic discrimination, gay men and transgender women resorted to sex work. The media continued to sensationalize the LGBT community into a post World War II period where LGBT became synonymous with immoral or criminal behavior.
It was at this time, post WWII, that Thailand was flooded by Western expatriates. The rapid increase in media in the 1950’s began to sensationalize Thailand as a place known for transgender women in the Western World. It also gave LGBT activists a platform. In the 1960’s, Thai media began “outings” of LGBT men and women in order to humiliate them and show Thailand what a model citizen should not be. However, LGBT community continued to grow with gay magazines and films, enterprises, and presence in the media. This influenced Thailand to become a haven for Western LGBT expatriates at the same time.
However, trans women are still not completely accepted in Thailand like it seems from an outside perspective. Rural communities have few trans people as it’s not generally accepted there. Trans women run to Bangkok to find communities which will accept them. Many Buddhists believe trans women are being punished for something they’ve done in a past life, hence their lowered status.
Trans women are only given roles in media as comedic relief. Serious portrayals of trans women are hardly ever found in Thai films or TV shows.
Trans women are not allowed to change their gender on their Thai ID. Furthermore, they cannot dress as women in formal settings. At work, if they want to be anything other than a drag show performer, they’ll be expected to dress as men. The same is true at any government related building, like universities or ID distribution, or anything involving graduation.
So, if you travel to Bangkok, it may seem like Thailand is a haven for the LGBT community. But, they still have a long way to go.
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