Ladyboys. This is a Thai phenomenon I will never understand. I've tried to relate ladyboys to something I've seen before, like Drag Queens. But, it's not even close. At times, the Thai culture is so conservative. PDA is forbidden, and Thai dress codes do not allow you to show your shoulders, knees, or toes. Other times, it's a free-for-all to do whatever you want, like be a ladyboy. They're so integrated into Thai culture that no one looks down on them. Instead, it's totally normal, encouraged, and applauded.
Standard beauty contest. For Ladyboys.
Ladyboys, or Katoeys, are guys, who are extremely feminine and identify as female. Sometimes, it involves a sex change, breast implants, shaved Adam's Apples, vocal cord replacement, skin whitening, etc. My first experience with Ladyboys was a few years ago in Bangkok. I saw some things I can't un-see from the Patpong area and realized just how widely ladyboys and the sex trade are accepted throughout Thailand.
There were beautiful women everywhere, who just-so-happen to be dudes. It's very confusing... especially for drunk tourists, who think they're getting hit-on by some sexy, Thai lady. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you don't know what you're dealing with, follow Crocodile Dundee's lead... even though that's not full-proof if a sex-change is involved.
Don't worry. If you do accidentally hook-up with a ladyboy, it's not gay. It's only gay if the ladyboy identifies as male, which they don't. If you are gay and hook-up with a Thai guy who identifies as male, that's fine too. Everything is fine in Thailand. Girls with girls. Guys with guys. Ladyboys with guys. Ladyboys with girls. "Mai pan rai" for any combination you can think of.
But, that doesn't make things less bizarre. Like, when little boys at school are dressed-up like little girls. They're so young. Why are they covered in make-up and in full chic-attire? Are they already identifying as ladyboys? Are there parents pushing them to be ladyboys? Do they have any clue what's happening?
I can understand the cabaret shows in Bangkok and the bigger cities because it's a tourist attraction. But, I'm in the middle of nowhere! Ladyboys are at all of the school functions, like when they dance for "sports day" or have beauty pageants for Loy Krathong.
Teachers, molding young minds at sports day.
SOOOOO many questions. When did this become a thing? How did it become a thing? Where did it start? Why are schools OK with this when female teachers aren't allowed to show their toes, knees, shoulders, and elbows? Or, why is this accepted when PDA in public is strictly forbidden? No kissing, handholding, or telling your significant other "I love you"... even if you've been married for 30 years, and you're in the privacy of your own home. But, by all means, wear seashells for a bra and platform hooker shoes to a school function.
Lady Gaga performing at a cabaret show.
Chiang Mai cabaret show.
Photo Cred: Adam Cribari
Ladyboys and squat toilets will forever confuse me. But, as I've already learned, Thailand doesn't need rhyme or reason. So, all hail the ladyboys.