Over time and across numerous cultures, the idea of gender has changed, and many nations now acknowledge more than two genders. The conventional duality of male and female does not encompass the third and fourth genders. For instance, Thailand is a culture that is partly famous for kathoeys, also called ladyboys, and Western cultures, including the U.S., have other sexual identities as well. While kathoeys and gay minorities gain acknowledgment, they are indeed still under pressure and subject to stigma in their culture.
Ladyboys, often referred to as Kathoeys or transgender women, are people who are born with the gender assigned to them as male but who identify as female. Ladyboys are sometimes viewed as a third gender, existing between men and women (LB Documentary, 2014). In Thai culture, ladyboys are highly accepted and frequently praised for their attractiveness, fashion savvy, and showmanship (LB Documentary, 2014). As a result, the prerequisites for this role often entail possessing all physically feminine traits, which may be acquired by surgeries and hormone therapy (LB Documentary, 2014). Still, although ladyboys are widely accepted in Thai culture, they nonetheless experience stigma and prejudice.
Another type of gender involves the sexuality and the sexual identity of the people. Individuals who identify as gay can be considered as an example. Reviewing the Thai culture, many ladyboys share their experiences of being attracted to men and not being accepted by their families. This is due to their close ones claiming that they were born as men and should act in such a manner (LB Documentary, 2014). Additionally, in another culture, specifically the U.S., the idea of same-sex relationships is seen as deviant from a religious perspective. Due to a lack of full and unanimous support for the gay community, there is sometimes confusion regarding the sexual identity of minorities, with many confusing this behavior with feminine characteristics.
Hence, while kathoeys and gay minorities start to gain more support, they are still pressured and exposed to stigma in their community. Ladyboys are individuals who are born with the gender assigned to them as male but who identify as female. Thai society has a high regard for ladyboys, who are usually complimented for their good looks, fashion choices, and showmanship. Another type of gender can be seen through sexual identity, involving same-sex relationships. Due to the permeation of religion in Western cultures, such as the U.S., such identities are not ubiquitously accepted.
Reference
LB Documentary. (2014). The third gender: Documentary on Thailand’s trans community [Video]. YouTube. Web.