
Miss Tiffany 2009 winner Sorrawee Nattee (R) and second-placed Writtorn Narapaipimol (L) after 2009 Miss Tiffany transgender contest in Pattaya, Thailand, 15 May 2009 At a popular beauty contest this month in southern Thailand, 30 attractive, feminine figures glide onto the stage.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – In Thailand, transgender males, also called lady-boys, are a common sight in cities and tourist areas. While many transgenders work in traditionally female professions such as in cabaret shows or Thailand’s notorious sex industry, most are looking for better integration in Thai society. But, despite their high visibility, transgenders still face challenges in seeking acceptance.
Dressed in sparkling evening gowns and perfect hair and make-up, the contestants smile widely at the audience as the cameras broadcast the pageant live across the nation.
But, the contestants at Pattaya’s Miss Tiffany Universe contest have something special in common other than looks. They are all transgenders.
Transgenders are born as men but live and look like women, often taking female hormones and having cosmetic and sex change surgery to appear more feminine. Read the rest of this entry »