Third Gender

The terms third gender and third sex describe individuals who are categorized (by their will or by social consensus) as neither man nor woman, as well as the social category present in those societies who recognize three or more genders. The term "third" is usually understood to mean "other"; some anthropologists and sociologists have described fourth, fifth, and even some genders. The concepts of "third", "fourth" and "some" gender can be somewhat difficult to understand within Western conceptual categories.

Although biology often determines genetically whether a human being is male or female (on the basis of the XX or XY or a variation thereof chromosomes, though intersex people are born), the state of being is neither a man or a woman is sometimes considered in relation to the individual's gender role in society, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic. To different cultures or individuals, a third gender or sex may represent an intermediate state between men and women, a state of being both (such as "the spirit of a man in the body of a woman"), the state of being neither (neuter), the ability to cross or swap genders, another category altogether independent of men and women. This last definition is favored by those who argue for a strict interpretation of the "third gender" concept. In any case, all of these characterizations are defining gender and not the sex that biology gives to living beings.

Thai Ladyboys

Ladyboys are a prominent feature of modern day Thai society, particularly here in Bangkok. When you first arrive and see so many ladyboys and overtly gay men, you can’t help but be a little fascinated as to “why Thailand and not other countries” (apparently the Philippines is a rival for the crown). But as one Thai friend pointed out, it isn’t that Thailand has a gender issue, it is more likely that westerners that want to be ladyboys feel too oppressed to do so, and that gay men are made to feel out of place when they display feminine tendencies. Food for thought, and I have no doubt there is some truth in this. I would, however, like to see a detailed gene study.

It is worth pointing out that ladyboys aren’t just gay men dressed as women; they aren’t transvestites as we might brand such behaviour in the UK.  No, it runs deeper than that. In fact, in Thailand you have 5 categories of gender to consider:

1. Straight man/woman
2. Lesbian
3. Gay
4. Tom boy – Girl that wants to be a boy, technically in mind is a boy, and is often seen with a very attractive straight female. Has become quite fashionable in BKK for a young woman to have a tom boy in tow.
5. Ladyboy – Man that is essentially a woman but with the wrong bits and, over time, depending on his/her financial situation, will gravitate further towards being a woman with the help of surgery.

Ladyboys aren’t all amazingly attractive “almost” women either. No, far from it. Usually, the wealthier the family the more “womanlike” a ladyboy will look, because surgery and hormone medication is expensive. However, it is the case that many Thai men are born with very effeminate mannerisms, soft features and a slight build. So should such a man decide to grow long hair and put on make-up, a newbie Thailander could well be fooled.

Sadly, many ladyboys find it hard to get on in society, especially if they are from humble beginnings. Thailand may seem liberal on the surface, but as with most public social commentary in Thai society, discrimination happens quietly, manifesting itself in stares, employment discrimination and such. Everyone seems to enjoy the exuberance of a ladyboy friend – but many families wouldn’t be too chuffed if their son married a ladyboy.

In some cases, the lure of fast money to aid gender development, and perhaps a troubled upbringing plagued with parental and societal rejection, means a lot of ladyboys end up as prostitutes, fulfilling a seemingly popular Western male fantasy. A walk down the infamous Soi Nana on any given day of the week confirms this trend.