Understanding Kathoey: Thailand's Journey Towards LGBTQ+ Acceptance

Thailand's Kathoey: A Journey Toward Acceptance In Thailand, the term "ladyboy" is widely used in Western contexts, but the local term is "kathoey." This term encompasses a wider spectrum of gender identities, including transgender women and those who don't conform to their assigned gender. A PinkNews video explores the rich history of gender nonconformity in Thailand, dating back to the 14th century. Despite the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1956, transgender people still face legal obstacles, such as the inability to legally change their gender on identity documents. "Some people think that to want a sex change, we must be crazy or disabled," says one interviewee in the video. "But it's the opposite; changing gender makes us complete beings." The video also touches upon the complex relationship between kathoey individuals and religion in Thailand, where Buddhism is the dominant faith. However, Thailand has made significant strides toward acceptance, becoming the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. The video concludes by highlighting the Miss International Queen pageant, a testament to the growing visibility and acceptance of transgender women in Thailand, though full acceptance and inclusion remain an ongoing process.