Stereotype or not: of Transgenders in the Thai Community

By Nandhini Radhakrishnan

Bangkok, Thailand is well-known for its diverse and rich culture, seen to embrace both the Thai culture and its notorious night life. Thailand is not only highly sought after by tourists for its shopping and authentic culture, but is often assumed to be a society that accepts various cultures and people, including the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual) community. This however, is a false imagery of the country as what truly permeates the Thai society is incessant stereotyping of the LGBT community.

Transgender is seen at every other corner of Bangkok, giving the impression that Bangkok is truly a diverse community, willing to accept the LGBT community. Although, on the surface, it may seem like Bangkok is tolerant of this community and even to a certain extent proud of them through their promotion of nightlife as a part of their tourism aspect, existing stereotypes that pervade this community is rather surprising.

For one, visibility cannot be equated to acceptance, tolerance, and equality.

Thailand, having one of the most notable transgender communities in the world does not recognise the rights of the LGBT community. This has resulted in employment difficulties amongst the LGBT community, as they are not given the equal right of a human being to attain work in the professional field. This has resulted in them being only able to work in retail shops and at pubs and clubs. They are never allowed to hold a professional job title such as doctor, judge, or teacher because the LGBT is considered to be of bad influence and of unstable mind. Labels such as “mentally deficient” and “morally defective” are commonly placed upon these members of the society. These negative views of the LGBT community are usually claimed by authoritative figures as being derived from Buddhist beliefs that karma has caused this upon them due to sins such as adultery, made in their past life. Many Buddhists on the other hand, contest these claims, saying that Buddhism teaches and practices indiscrimination.

Thailand also does not allow same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognised. While Thailand is known for its liberal stance on sexuality, it is actually quite uncommon to see Thai males showing affection due to societal pressures and stereotypes against them.

Despite such stereotypes of the LGBT community, there exists a party that pushes for change in the way that this community is being viewed. For example, Rainbow Sky,

Thailand’s first officially registered gay association, is a private non-profit organisation working for better quality of life for, and the sexual health issues of, Thailand’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.

For example, Gay pride parades are held in Thailand with the aim of encouraging the LGBT community to stand proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Gay pride parades and protests that have occurred in Thailand stand as testimony of the struggles faced by the LGBT community and of strength that they place in claiming democracy, liberality, and human rights.

Nandhini Radhakrishnan, 20, is a double degree undergraduate majoring in Banking and Finance/Communications and minoring in Journalism.